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Mainframe System Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Purple Drive Technologies

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Position: Mainframe Developer Location: Chicago, IL & Richardson, TX Experience: Expert Level ... Deep understanding of batch and online processing systems for enterprise-grade environments.

Cynet Systems

Mainframe Developer

Riverwoods, IL

$35 - $40/hr

We are looking for Mainframe Developer for our client in Riverwoods, IL Job Title: Mainframe ... The role involves working across COBOL, JCL, DB2, and Unix/Linux environments while ensuring system ...

New

CYNET SYSTEMS

Mainframe Developer

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

The Mainframe Developer will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and maintaining mainframe ... The role involves working across COBOL, JCL, DB2, and Unix/Linux environments while ensuring system ...

New

Northern Trust

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

They are seeking a Mainframe Senior Developer responsible for installing, maintaining, and supporting system software products in a z/OS operating system environment. Responsibilities : • ...

Northern Trust

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL

$99.60K - $169.20K/yr

AND Principal Responsibilities The Mainframe Senior Developer is responsible for installing ... Work on Primitive CICS Systems and re-create them in lower environment. . Work on Assembler and PL ...

Northern Trust

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99.60K - $169.20K/yr

AND Principal Responsibilities The Mainframe Senior Developer is responsible for installing ... Work on Primitive CICS Systems and re-create them in lower environment. . Work on Assembler and PL ...

Northern Trust

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL

$99.60K - $169.20K/yr

AND Principal Responsibilities The Mainframe Senior Developer is responsible for installing ... Work on Primitive CICS Systems and re-create them in lower environment. . Work on Assembler and PL ...

Broadcom

Mainframe Software Development Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

Preferred : • Expertise on Mainframe extensible frameworks such as ZOWE and dealing with pass ... control systems experience (Endevor) Company : Broadcom is a designer, developer, and global ...

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How much do mainframe system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe system programmer in Chicago, IL is $59.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.47 and $69.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe System Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe System Programmer, you need deep knowledge of mainframe operating systems (such as z/OS), programming languages like COBOL or Assembler, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with mainframe tools (e.g., IBM ISPF, JCL, SMP/E) and certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for diagnosing issues and collaborating with IT teams. These skills are vital to ensure the stability, security, and efficiency of critical enterprise computing environments.

What are some common challenges Mainframe System Programmers face when supporting legacy systems?

Mainframe System Programmers often encounter challenges such as integrating modern applications with legacy mainframe environments, ensuring system security while maintaining uptime, and troubleshooting complex issues that span both old and new technologies. They may also face difficulties due to limited documentation or retiring expertise as experienced colleagues leave the workforce. Staying current with evolving mainframe tools and best practices helps address these challenges and keeps systems running smoothly.

What are mainframe system programmers?

Mainframe system programmers are IT professionals who specialize in installing, configuring, maintaining, and optimizing mainframe computer systems. They are responsible for the underlying software infrastructure, such as operating systems (like IBM z/OS), network configurations, and middleware. Their work ensures that mainframe environments run efficiently, securely, and with minimal downtime, supporting critical applications for large organizations. System programmers also troubleshoot complex issues and implement updates or enhancements as needed.

What is the difference between Mainframe System Programmer vs Mainframe Application Developer?

AspectMainframe System ProgrammerMainframe Application Developer
Required CredentialsCertifications in mainframe systems, such as IBM Certified System ProgrammerProgramming certifications, often in COBOL, Java, or other languages
Work EnvironmentOperate primarily on mainframe hardware, focus on system setup and maintenanceDevelop and modify applications running on mainframes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations with large-scale legacy systems, banking, insuranceDevelops business applications for mainframe environments in similar industries

While both roles work within mainframe environments, Mainframe System Programmers focus on system setup, maintenance, and optimization, whereas Mainframe Application Developers concentrate on creating and updating applications that run on mainframes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe System Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Mainframe System Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe System Programmer job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,654 per year, or $59.9 per hour.
Mainframe Systems Engineer (zOS Mainframe Internals, Parallel Sysplex, Hardware & Storage) Remote

Mainframe Systems Engineer (zOS Mainframe Internals, Parallel Sysplex, Hardware & Storage) Remote

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Requisition 39683: B4 Mainframe Systems Engineer 

A resume helps you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters; your resume communicates your experience and your brand. While it is not required, we encourage you to include an up-to-date resume along with a  completed job application to give you the best opportunity to be considered. A complete resume helps us to better understand your unique  background, relevant experiences, and passions. We look forward to learning about you.

Norfolk Southern offers a unique opportunity to be part of our proud legacy that spans nearly 200 years. We are a customer-centric, operations-driven team dedicated to advancing safety, serving communities, and driving innovation for tomorrow's rail.  As part of Norfolk Southern, you'll join a collaborative team where there are opportunities for growth across the organization. We are building a culture where everyone can thrive by owning and driving exceptional results, being humble and leading with trust, serving our customers with excellence, and collaborating and coaching to win.

Job Description

Norfolk Southern is seeking a highly motivated, self-starting Mainframe Systems Engineer to oversee and administer the company's enterprise mainframe environment.  In this role, you will support a Parallel Sysplex infrastructure and play a critical role in ensuring system reliability, performance, and availability.

Key responsibilities include DASD and tape storage management, system performance monitoring and tuning, and proactive problem resolution.  The Mainframe Systems Engineer will also collaborate with internal stakeholders and third-party hardware providers to design and implement solutions that support a highly available, scalable, resilient mainframe environment. 

Responsibilities

   Drive z/OS technology development initiatives, including evaluation, deployment, and integration of new product enhancements and hardware solutions.
   Own the installation, maintenance, and operational support of mainframe infrastructure and system software across a Parallel Sysplex environment.
   Monitor and manage mainframe performance.
   Use, configure and provide support of storage subsystems and infrastructure. 
   Coordinate with hardware and software vendors for support and future project work.
   Create comprehensive documentation, conduct thorough testing, and follow defined change control processes.
   Provide support for mission critical application infrastructure and products.
   Communicate with end-users, application programmers, co-workers, managers, and other stakeholders.
   Writing test scripts and performing testing verification of product deliverables.
   Serve as part of a rotational Level 2 on-call support team, responding to and resolving complex system issues.

Education

Bachelor's degree in technology, MIS, CIS or other related degrees preferred. Will consider experience in lieu of college degree. 
 

Job Related Experience
   Minimum Level: 4 years
   Preferred Level: 5+ years
 

Skills Required 
   4+ years of experience with mainframe z/OS internals, z/OS Parallel Sysplex, Unix Systems Services (USS).
   4+ years of experience with mainframe hardware, software and third-party installation support. 
   4+ years of experience designing, administering, and supporting mainframe disk (DASD) and tape storage infrastructure.
   Experience mainframe capacity planning and performance tuning. 
   Experience writing test scripts and performing testing verifications. 
   Experience with mainframe application development IDE build and run tools. 
 

Skills Desired 
   Expertlevel understanding of z/OS internals, UNIX System Services (USS), and  Parallel Sysplex architecture, including crosssystem communication and workload management. 
   Experience with Assembler, TCPIP/VTAM, TSO/ISPF, REXX, SMP/E
   Maintain and operate within a Parallel Sysplex environment including virtual tape and sharing of DASD.
   Knowledge of Infrastructure software solutions, (ex. Zeke, Zebb, ISPW, TMON, JCLPrep, QuickRef, SAS, CICS, IBM utilities)
   Maintain a Coupling Facility environment.
 

Work Conditions
Location: Position eligible for remote work within Norfolk Southern's 22-state operating network.
Environment: US Remote
Shift Work: No
On-Call: Yes
Weekend Work: No

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.

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