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

Noblesoft Technologies

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 ...

Amaze Systems Inc.

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 ...

McMaster-Carr

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 ...

United Airlines

Managing Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $207K/yr

... evaluating mainframe application landscape, identifying legacy systems, and analyzing their ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred ...

AbbVie

AI Business Systems Analyst

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$109K/yr

The Business System Analyst will serve as an individual contributor, working directly with AI ... This role collaborates with data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders to understand ...

AbbVie

AI Business Systems Analyst

North Chicago, IL · On-site

The Business System Analyst will serve as an individual contributor, working directly with AI ... This role collaborates with data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders to understand ...

McMaster-Carr

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 ...

Apex Informatics

Enterprise Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$71 - $91.75/hr

... Engineering & Systems Archicture • Experience in legacy and current technology platforms (Unix, AIX, Windows, Mainframe, Linux) • Experience architecting the solution from ground up as well as re ...

Info-Ways

Hadoop Developer

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

Hadoop Developer Location: Riverwoods, IL Duration: Fulltime BGV will be done for the selected ... systems/mainframe and vice-versa. 3+ years' experience in Importing and exporting the data using ...

NAVA Software Solutions

Technical Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68.25 - $82.50/hr

Demonstrated experience performing reverse engineering custom applications. * Well versed with DevSecOps practices * Strong experience with wide array of technologies i.e. Mainframe based systems ...

360 IT Professionals

Java/J2EE Architect

Chicago, IL

$65 - $87.50/hr

... between mainframe application systems and various IBM and Microsoft Server Operation Systems ... Developer, Clear Case, Clear Quest); DB2 on z/OS and AIX * Detailed knowledge of analysis ...

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All JobsMainframe System Programmer JobsMainframe System Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Mainframe System Programmer information

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How much do mainframe system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe system programmer in Chicago, IL is $59.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.52 and $69.38 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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Locum Tenens, 71% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,753 per year, or $60 per hour.
W2 Only || UI Path Certified RPA Developer - Remote (IL/TX Only) UiPath Certification Must

W2 Only || UI Path Certified RPA Developer - Remote (IL/TX Only) UiPath Certification Must

Noblesoft Technologies

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

W2 Contract Only
Job Title: Sr RPA Developer
Location: Naperville, Chicago, IL and Dallas, TX
Remote (Y/N): Yes, but local candidates are highly preferred
Duration: 12 Month 
Job Description: This position is responsible for developing, integrating, testing, and maintaining existing and new applications; knowing one or more programming languages; knowing one or more development methodologies / delivery models. To be successful in this role, a person would have strong experience with Big Data / Hadoop / Spark development. 
Required Job Qualifications:  
•    Bachelor Degree and 4 years Information Technology experience OR Technical Certification and/or College Courses and 6 year Information Technology experience OR 8 years Information Technology experience.
•    Possess ability to manage workload, manage multiple priorities, and manage conflicts with customers/employees/managers, as applicable.
•    Experience in traditional app languages (Java / Scala / C++).
•    Experience in scripting languages (BASH / PYTHON). 
•    Experience in cloud computing technologies (SaaS / IaaS / PaaS)
•    Experience in application configuration.
•    SDLC Methodology (Agile / Scrum / Iterative Development).  
•    System performance management.
•    Systems change / configuration management.
•    Business requirements management.
•    Problem solving /analytical thinking.
•    Creative thinking.
•    Ability to execute.
•    Travel availability up to 20%
Preferred Job Qualifications: 
•    At least 4 years of experience with UIPath OR 3 years of experience with other RPA platform(s) (Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, etc.)
•    At least 3 years of experience in several areas of RPA (Desktop Applications, Web Applications, Citrix Environments, Salesforce, Excel, Mainframe and/or Legacy Systems)
•    Previous hands-on experience with at least one high level programming language (.Net, Java, VB, C#/C, HTML/CSS, Python, Web Services, Mainframe, Web Applications, SQL, Data Integration Tools, Technical Automation Tools)
•    Experience with Test Driven Development (TDD) and Behavior Driven Development (BDD) 
•    Strong CICD and DevOps (“shift left”) mindset
•    UiPath Advanced Certification
•    Lead Engineer qualities to provide driven results to product teams and capabilities to guide new and junior team members.