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Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

z/OS Systems Engineer

Cupertino, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bank is seeking a z/OS Systems Programmer that has extensive experience in mainframe technologies with an emphasis on installation/upgrading, tuning, and troubleshooting of z/OS and third-party ...

Senior Mainframe COBOL Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$52.75 - $68/hr

We are Seeking a Senior Mainframe COBOL Developer with a strong background in enterprise financial systems. The ideal candidate will support mission-critical mainframe applications, troubleshoot ...

Mainframe Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

Perform system analysis, troubleshooting, and debugging of mainframe environments * Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business and technical requirements * Monitor mainframe ...

Mainframe Specialist

Sacramento, CA

$70K - $196K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies-covering rehosting ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Mainframe Specialist

San Diego, CA

$70K - $196K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies-covering rehosting ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Mainframe Specialist

Mountain View, CA

$70K - $196K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies-covering rehosting ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Mainframe Specialist

San Francisco, CA

$70K - $196K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies-covering rehosting ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Mainframe Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA

$70K - $196K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies-covering rehosting ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Mainframe Specialist

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $196K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies-covering rehosting ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Mainframe Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies-covering rehosting ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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 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 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.

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 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:

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.

z/OS Systems Engineer

US Bank

Cupertino, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


U.S. Bank rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 171 rated banks


Job description

At U.S. Bank, we're on a journey to do our best. Helping the customers and businesses we serve to make better and smarter financial decisions and enabling the communities we support to grow and succeed. We believe it takes all of us to bring our shared ambition to life, and each person is unique in their potential. A career with U.S. Bank gives you a wide, ever-growing range of opportunities to discover what makes you thrive at every stage of your career. Try new things, learn new skills and discover what you excel at-all from Day One.

Job Description

U.S. Bank is seeking a z/OS Systems Programmer that has extensive experience in mainframe technologies with an emphasis on installation/upgrading, tuning, and troubleshooting of z/OS and third-party software. This individual should be self-motivated and driven to help contribute toward the success of our mainframe technology initiatives. This person will work in a team environment supporting multiple systems in a highly redundant and robust mainframe environment. Participate in project teams to implement new capabilities and technologies. Suggest new or alternative products and solutions to modernize and streamline our environment. Lead projects and efforts across multiple teams.

Responsibilities Include

  • Lead the installation, configuration, maintenance, and lifecycle management of IBM z/OS operating systems across multiple Sysplex environments and data centers.
  • Develop, standardize, and execute z/OS upgrade, migration, and maintenance methodologies using SMP/E for software installation and updates.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex z/OS system, performance, and infrastructure issues, providing root cause analysis and long-term solutions.
  • Administer and support critical mainframe subsystems including JES2, CICS, IMS, MQ, and Db2.
  • Collaborate with storage, security, networking, application development, and capacity planning teams to ensure optimal system performance and availability.
  • Configure and maintain IBM and third-party software products, including solutions from Broadcom (CA), BMC, and Compuware.
  • Participate in Disaster Recovery (DR) planning, testing, and recovery exercises to ensure business continuity and platform resiliency.
  • Manage and support mainframe hardware, coupling facilities, storage configurations, and GDPS environments.
  • Maintain comprehensive system documentation, configuration standards, operational procedures, and technical diagrams.
  • Provide 24x7 production support and on-call coverage as part of a rotating support model.

Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience
- At least 5 years of experience within a total information technology (IT) environment
- At least 10 years of experience with the design, development and support of technology infrastructure

Preferred Skills/Experience:

  • Extensive experience administering and supporting IBM z/OS in large-scale Parallel Sysplex environments.
  • Strong expertise in z/OS installation, configuration, maintenance, upgrades, and SMP/E software deployment.
  • Hands-on experience supporting critical mainframe subsystems including CICS, IMS, JES2, IBM MQ, and Db2 for z/OS.
  • Advanced knowledge of RACF security administration, access controls, and compliance best practices.
  • Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex z/OS system, performance, and availability issues.
  • Experience with mainframe performance monitoring and capacity management tools, including RMF and MainView.
  • Strong understanding of Coupling Facilities, Mainframe Storage Management, and IBM Z hardware infrastructure.
  • Experience supporting and configuring enterprise mainframe software from Broadcom (CA), BMC, and Compuware.
  • Hands-on experience with Disaster Recovery (DR) planning, testing, and recovery operations in mission-critical environments.
  • Proficiency in REXX scripting for automation, system administration, and operational efficiency.

Location expectations
This role requires working from a U.S. Bank location three (3) or more days per week.

If there's anything we can do to accommodate a disability during any portion of the application or hiring process, please refer to ourdisability accommodations for applicants.

Benefits:

Our approach to benefits and total rewards considers our team members' whole selves and what may be needed to thrive in and outside work. That's why our benefits are designed to help you and your family boost your health, protect your financial security and give you peace of mind. Our benefits include the following:

  • Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

  • Basic term and optional term life insurance

  • Short-term and long-term disability

  • Pregnancy disability and parental leave

  • 401(k) and employer-funded retirement plan

  • Paid vacation (from two to five weeks depending on salary grade and tenure)

  • Up to 11 paid holiday opportunities

  • Adoption assistance

  • Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 80 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law

Review our full benefits available by employment status here.

U.S. Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, and other factors protected under applicable law.

E-Verify

U.S. Bank participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program in all facilities located in the United States and certain U.S. territories. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about theE-Verify program.

The salary range reflects figures based on the primary location, which is listed first. The actual range for the role may differ based on the location of the role. In addition to salary, U.S. Bank offers a comprehensive benefits package, including incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase 401(k) contribution and pension (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). Pay Range: $105,400.00 - $124,000.00

U.S. Bank will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment. U.S. Bank conducts background checks consistent with applicable local laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act as well as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. U.S. Bank is subject to, and conducts background checks consistent with the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA). In addition, certain positions may also be subject to the requirements of FINRA, NMLS registration, Reg Z, Reg G, OFAC, the NFA, the FCPA, the Bank Secrecy Act, the SAFE Act, and/or federal guidelines applicable to an agreement, such as those related to ethics, safety, or operational procedures.

Applicants must be able to comply with U.S. Bank policies and procedures including the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and related workplace conduct and safety policies.

Posting may be closed earlier due to high volume of applicants.


What U.S. Bank employees say

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About U.S. Bank

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

U.S. Bank is a reputable and established financial institution that plays a significant role in the banking sector. With a history spanning over 150 years, U.S. Bank has built a strong foundation of trust and reliability. As a comprehensive bank, they offer a wide array of financial products and services to cater to the diverse needs of their customers, including individuals, businesses, and communities. Customer satisfaction is of utmost importance to U.S. Bank. They prioritize delivering exceptional service and fostering long-term relationships with their clients. Through their extensive network of branches and advanced digital banking platforms, U.S. Bank ensures convenient access to their services, empowering customers to manage their finances efficiently and securely.

Industry

Banking and credit intermediation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1863

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