ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WATI

Mainframe Operator

Downey, CA · On-site

$50.75 - $65/hr

The Information Technology Mainframe Operator starts and stops system tasks, monitors the system consoles for unusual conditions, and works with the system programming and production control staff to ...

The Norland Group

Be Seen First

Z/OS Network systems programmer (No C2C or Sponsorship)

Downey, CA · On-site

$75 - $89/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA for Legacy Systems manages different types of databases, such as hierarchical (IMS), relational (DB2), and file-based (ADABAS), and is responsible for planning ...

New

Calance US

IBM Z Engineer - 100% remote

Costa Mesa, CA · Remote

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Requirements 5+ years of experience as a Linux Systems Engineer or Mainframe Systems Administrator. Contribute to documentation, SOP updates, and control evidence collection. Perform root-cause ...

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for our Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future projects ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsMainframe Systems Programmer JobsMainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in California

Mainframe Systems Programmer information

See California salary details

$9

$57

$77

How much do mainframe systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe systems programmer in California is $57.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.21 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mainframe systems programmer do?

As a mainframe systems programmer, your responsibilities are to maintain an organization’s server computer, also called a mainframe computer. Your duties include handling server configuration, as well as installing, upgrading, and customizing the operating system and other software necessary for running the server and its databases. You also work with other IT professionals with the planning of security measures to protect the mainframe and routinely perform tests for bugs and other security issues.

What are some common challenges mainframe systems programmers face when maintaining legacy systems?

Mainframe Systems Programmers often encounter challenges related to supporting and upgrading legacy systems that may have limited documentation or use outdated programming languages. Navigating compatibility issues with newer hardware or software can require creative problem-solving and deep technical expertise. Additionally, ensuring system security and reliability while performing upgrades or patches involves careful planning and collaboration with other IT and business teams. Staying current with evolving mainframe technologies and practices is essential for long-term success in the role.

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

AspectMainframe Systems ProgrammerMainframe Application Developer
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like IBM Certified Systems ProgrammerOften requires programming certifications or specific language expertise
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily on system-level tasks, OS, and hardware interactionsFocuses on developing and maintaining applications on mainframe platforms
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large enterprises with mainframe infrastructureAlso in large organizations, but more application-focused
Job FocusSystem configuration, performance tuning, and maintenanceApplication coding, testing, and deployment

The Mainframe Systems Programmer primarily manages system-level tasks, ensuring the mainframe environment runs efficiently, while the Mainframe Application Developer focuses on creating and maintaining applications. Both roles are essential in mainframe environments but differ in their technical focus and responsibilities.

What is a mainframe systems programmer?

Mainframe Systems Programmers are IT professionals responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting mainframe computer systems and software. They ensure that the mainframe environment runs efficiently, securely, and reliably, supporting critical business operations. Their duties often include system upgrades, performance tuning, applying patches, and collaborating with other IT teams to resolve complex technical issues. Mainframe Systems Programmers play a key role in organizations that rely on large-scale transaction processing, such as banks, insurance companies, and government agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe systems programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Systems Programmer, you need expertise in system programming, operating systems like z/OS, and strong problem-solving abilities, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with mainframe tools such as IBM z/OS utilities, JCL, REXX, and experience with system monitoring and performance tuning software are commonly required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help ensure smooth collaboration and troubleshooting. These skills are essential to maintain, optimize, and secure critical enterprise computing environments that rely on mainframe infrastructure.
More about Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs in California?

For Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs in CA?

For Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Systems Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,422 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Mainframe Application Programmer

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Downey, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position: Mainframe Application Programmer
Location: Downey, CA
Duration: 12 months
Mandatory Skills:
  • The Senior Application Programmer for Mainframe Systems will possess knowledge and experience in applications software development principles and methods sufficient to participate in the design, development, testing and implementation of new or modified applications software; organization's operational environment; software design principles, methods and approaches; principles, methods and procedures for designing, developing, optimizing and integrating new and/or reusable systems components; pertinent government regulations; infrastructure requirements, database management principles and methodologies, including data structures, data modeling, data warehousing and transaction processing; functionality and operability of the current operating environment; systems engineering concepts and factors such as structured design, supportability, reliability, scalability and maintainability; optimization concepts and methods; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; and speak and write effectively and prepare effective reports.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills in an IMS/Cobol mainframe environment.
  • This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in electronic data processing systems design and programming with one or more of the software set forth below. LANGUAGES: COBOL, Natural/ SuperNatural, IMS/DB/DC, DB2/SQL, Assembler, SAS, CICS; MF FOCUS; TOOLS/UTILITIES: MVS JCL, MVS TSO/ISPF, IBM OPTIM, FILE Manager, SPUFI, ICEMAN/ICETOOLS, SORT, VSAM, CLIST, FTP, DYL260/280, CA Gen (CoolGen), CA Endevor, CA Spool, CA OM Web Viewer, IBM Websphere, Debugger, N2O; DATABASES: DB2, IMS, ADABAS, FOCUS; OS: z/OS; OTHER: EntireX, ASP, HTML, Cloverleaf.

Experience Preferred:
  • Strong foundational experience with large-scale complex IMS/COBOL mainframe applications. Candidate must possess strong IMS batch experience and have knowledge of creating IMS test databases on-demand, along with creation of IMS/COBOL batch jobs to load and test data.

Education Required:
This classification requires the possession of a bachelor's degree in an IT-related or Computer Science field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Regards,
Sangeetha
West Advanced Technologies, Inc.
Serving government agencies for 22 Years
E: sangeetha.p@wati.com, D: 279 895 6797
www.wati.com

Apply