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

Continually expands knowledge of Broadcom Support best practices, procedures and systems. * Lead ... Share knowledge with other engineers and customers by following KCS methodology and process. Enable ...

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Extensive knowledge in FIS Core Banking Systems (RM, GN, IM, AM, SC). Proficiency in COBOL, DB2 ... engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data ...

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Extensive knowledge in FIS Core Banking Systems (RM, GN, IM, AM, SC). Proficiency in COBOL, DB2 ... engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data ...

The Role We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support IBM Z ... Apply system maintenance: * RSUs, PTFs, APARs, and service updates * Perform system IPLs and ...

Proven Mainframe knowledge and skills * z/OS Operating system familiarity * Proficiency in IBM Assembler language and Metal C programming languages * Strong understanding of security protocols and ...

Java Architect

Naperville, IL · On-site

$63 - $85/hr

... mainframe/java systems • Ability to define client needs, inputs/outputs of APIs, and utilization of Kafka • Ability to communicate effectively with senior Java developers and lead them through ...

zOS Technical Developer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$45 - $52/hr

... mainframe development. * Strong proficiency in COBOL, JCL, CICS, VSAM, DB2, IMS, REXX. * Analyze ... Optimize application performance and ensure system reliability. Conduct code reviews and ensure ...

Senior Developer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$54.50 - $72/hr

Technical Skills (APPS)-Mainframe-Language-Mainframe - COBOL Job : Technical Lead Other Requirement ... Developer Mandatory Skills Mainframe Cobol (Primary) JCL CICS VSAM Unix Shell scripting is ...

Technical Architect-Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68.25 - $82.50/hr

... engineering custom applications. • Well versed with DevSecOps practices. • Strong experience with wide array of technologies i.e. Mainframe based systems, Client server systems (.Net and J2EE ...

Senior z/OS Platform Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$235K - $310K/yr

As a Senior z/OS Platform Engineer, you'll work on projects like: * Re-imagining our COBOL ... and efficiency of mainframe software and systems that bring value to customers. * Leverage ...

Showing results 41-60

Mainframe System Programmer information

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How much do mainframe system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 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 is a mainframe system programmer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe system programmer?

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 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.

Is a mainframe system programmer a good career?

A mainframe system programmer is a specialized IT professional responsible for maintaining and optimizing mainframe computer systems, often requiring knowledge of languages like COBOL and tools such as z/OS. The role offers stable employment opportunities, competitive salaries, and demand in industries like finance and government, but it may require ongoing training to keep up with evolving technology. Overall, it can be a good career for those interested in enterprise computing and system management.

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:

Infographic showing various Mainframe System Programmer job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,654 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Support Engineer - Mainframe

Lisle, IL • On-site

Broadcom
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Broadcom rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Please Note:

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Job Description:

This position is responsible for providing mainframe technical support for the Endevor/Zowe products. This support includes handling complexquestions/problemsfor product suites to ensure our customers achieve their desired business outcomes. Engineers are expected to deliver a superior customer experience by exhibiting our core principles of empathy, expertise, value, and speed.

Key Responsibilities

  • Promote Broadcom mission, customer promise, and strategy; willingly adapts to and supports change. Participates in projects to improve the business/products/CX.

  • Willingly accepts and adapts to change in product(s) being supported, environments, infrastructure / technology and such. May assist others in adopting to product(s)/technology change. May act as a Designated Support Engineer for certain products/ customers.

  • Continually expands knowledge of Broadcom Support best practices, procedures and systems.

  • Lead brainstorming sessions to improve our business by applyingactive listening,collaboration and facilitation skills.

  • Proactively identify team training needs; collaborate with team members to facilitate relevant training to address individual or team needs.

  • Prioritize and balance workload across channels, making good use of time to achieve organizational and personal goals. Assist/mentor others to prioritize and balance their workload by sharing their expertise.

  • Independently learn and expand product, technology and soft skills. Expand knowledge across multiple product releases. Act as subject matter expert for certain product components.

  • Actively participate in Broadcom communities to promote self-service and to promote customer-to-customer collaboration. Review information and answer questions on product Communities.

  • Share knowledge with other engineers and customers by following KCS methodology and process. Enable customer self-service success using KCS methodology by reusing, creating, reviewing, updating, publishing and retiring knowledge. Assist/ mentor colleagues developing knowledge content.

  • Leverage experience and research existing knowledge resources to evaluate customer's environment and historical use of Broadcom products to proactively prepare for customer engagements, assess business impact and instill immediate customer confidence.

  • Mature relationships with key internal stakeholders (e.g., SaaS Ops, Sustaining Engineering) to develop strategic partnerships which will help customers achieve their business outcomes.

  • Use problem solving skills to quickly resolve customer's cases to their satisfaction and provide assistance to prevent future issues by proactively sharing information/expertise regarding recent hotfixes and knowledge documents with the customer.

  • Utilize new or advanced technology (i.e. telemetry) to increase knowledge of customers' environments.

  • Apply advanced technical knowledge and troubleshooting methodology to assess complex problems, analyze logs to determine root causes and advise customers on solutions.Analyze diverse customer environmental data to troubleshoot and recreate issues on test systems.Share configuration best-practices with customers.

  • Demonstrate teamwork and leadership by providing technical assistance to team-members to support aged/escalated issues.Provide coaching and mentoring to less-experienced team-members, or colleagues.

  • Partner with Support Delivery Management and Engineering Teams to highlight customer's business impact and influence the prioritization of defects/issues to create fixes.

  • Understand the Product Lifecycle and future direction for the supported products or product line.Participate in scrum teams including documentation and requirements review, comments on end of scrum demos, test demo environments and supportability requirements.

  • Create lab environments to replicate customer issues.

  • Improve product quality by identifying and documenting predominant customer issues which require assessment by the Business Insight Analysts.

  • Adhere to case hygiene best practices and look for new ways to improve the quality and integrity of case data/documentation.

  • Proactively identifies barriers preventing customer from adopting or being productive with products/solutions and leverages cross-functional teams and proactive support playbooks to increase customer satisfaction and adoption levels.

  • Cultivate a growth mindset. Continual focus on professional career development opportunities including product and industry certifications.

Typical Role Definition

Professional Staff. A senior level professional role. Evaluation, originality or ingenuity required. Knows and applies the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Has mastered the key responsibilities. Assignments can be broad in nature. May serve as a resource to others to resolve complex problems and issues. Instructions generally provided in general terms. May take on project lead role as required. May be required to be on-call rotation afterhours and weekends.

Job-Specific Authority and Scope

  • Generally works without consulting their manager.

  • Independent decisions are made daily.

  • Examples of typical decisions without manager consultation:

    • Decide priorities while working with customers.

    • Formulate workarounds to meet customer business objectives.

    • Mentor junior team members

  • Typically has no direct reports.

  • Typically has no total staff.

  • Typically has a global geographic focus.

  • Typically does not manage a budget.

Business Travel and Physical Demands

Business travel of approximately 10 or less percent yearly is expected for this position.

Physical demands:

  • Office environment. No special physical demands required.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor's Degree or global equivalentin Computer Science or relateddiscipline and 0-2+ years of experience.

Skills & Competencies

  • Proven customer service skills.

  • Strong communication skills; written, verbal and social media.

  • Demonstrate technical and team leadership skills.

Certifications

  • Preferred, Appropriate certifications such as 100 level (or equivalent) knowledge of a Broadcom product.

  • Preferred, Product line relevant or relevant 3rd party certifications (Oracle, MCSE, DB2, Unix, SMP/E, CNE, etc.)


Compensation and Benefits


The annual base salary range for this position is USD 59,000.00 To USD 74,700.00

As a valued member of our team, you'll be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and the opportunity to receive not only a competitive new hire equity grant, but also annual equity awards, connecting your success directly to the company's growth. All subject to relevant plan documents and award agreements.


Broadcom offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401(K) participation including company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company paid holidays, paid sick leave and vacation time. The company follows all applicable laws for Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.


Broadcom is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability status, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We will also consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with local law.


If you are located outside USA, please be sure to fill out a home address as this will be used for future correspondence.


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