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Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Director, Mainframe Systems Programming

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Experienced in one or more mainframe infrastructure, hardware, system programming technologies. Alternative experiences must include high learning agility to acquire mainframe technology knowledge ...

As a systems analyst, it is required you bring strong experience of performing Systems Analysis for ... Mainframe Developer / Architect This is a high PRIORITY requisition.

Mainframe

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62/hr

The role involves ensuring the stability and performance of mainframe systems while collaborating ... programming languages. 2. Strong understanding of mainframe architecture and technologies. 3. ...

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.

This is a key position within the IBM Mainframe Engineering team in Business Operations Services. * Responsibilities include software installation system tuning monitoring of system performance ...

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Mainframe Systems Programmer information

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How much do mainframe systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe systems programmer in Illinois is $56.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.25 and $65.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are mainframe jobs in demand?

Mainframe systems programmers are in steady demand due to the continued reliance of large organizations on mainframe infrastructure for critical applications. Skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe security are highly valued, and many companies seek experienced professionals to maintain and upgrade legacy systems. The demand remains stable, especially in finance, government, and healthcare sectors that depend on mainframe technology.

What does a mainframe systems programmer do?

A mainframe systems programmer is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting mainframe operating systems and software. They configure hardware, optimize system performance, and ensure security and reliability, often using tools like z/OS and JCL. Strong knowledge of system architecture and scripting is essential for this role.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe systems programmers manage and maintain large-scale mainframe environments that run critical enterprise applications. While AI can automate certain tasks like monitoring and troubleshooting, it is unlikely to fully replace the specialized skills required for mainframe system programming, which involves complex configuration, security, and performance tuning. Mainframes remain essential in industries with high-volume transaction processing, and programmers need expertise in languages like COBOL and tools such as z/OS.

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 are Mainframe Systems Programmers?

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 is the salary of a mainframe developer?

The salary of a mainframe systems programmer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security may earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

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 job categories do people searching Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Systems Programmer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,258 per year, or $56.4 per hour.
Mainframe Systems Programmer - Hardware

Mainframe Systems Programmer - Hardware

Ensono

Chicago, IL • On-site

$102K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Mainframe Systems Programmer – HardwareRemote - United StatesJR013743

Mainframe Systems Programmer – Hardware

At Ensono, our Purpose is to be a relentless ally, disrupting the status quo and unleashing our clients to Do Great Things ! We enable our clients to achieve key business outcomes that reshape how our world runs. As an expert technology adviser and managed service provider with cross-platform certifications, Ensono empowers our clients to keep up with continuous change and embrace innovation.

We can Do Great Things because we have great Associates. The Ensono Core Values unify our diverse talents and are woven into how we do business. These five traits are the key to achieving our purpose:

Honesty, Reliability, Curiosity, Collaboration, and Passion.

About the role and what you’ll be doing:

As the Senior Solution Delivery Architect, you will be responsible for configuration of mainframe hardware equipment such as HCD, IOGEN and IOCP. During new client migrations, you will be the point person for configuring client environments within Ensono data centers to mimic existing client environment. You will serve as an escalation point for mainframe hardware issues such as failed Tape Drives, offline devices, and Call Home. You will be responsible for coordinating and applying hardware MES’s. To support hardware lifecycle activities, you will be responsible for upgrading existing client’s hardware including Mainframe CPU’s, DASD and Tape.

We want all new Associates to succeed in their roles at Ensono. That’s why we’ve outlined the job requirements below. To be considered for this role, it’s important that you meet all Required Qualifications. If you do not meet all of the Preferred Qualifications, we still encourage you to apply.

What You Will Do:

  • Define (GEN) mainframe equipment to be connected to Mainframe CPU

  • Support existing mainframe equipment for functionality, break/fix, and upgrades

  • Evaluate client systems for migrating into Ensono data centers

  • Evaluate proposed solutions for supportability

What You Will Need:

  • 7 years experience working within a z/OS environment supporting Tape, DASD, CPU, and other mainframe hardware equipment.

  • Experience creating HCD and IOCP for zOS, zVM, and zVSE in a complex, geographically dispersed multi data center environment.

  • Be able to support multiple client hardware upgrades and data center migrations.

  • Senior level familiarity with Z Series HMC and support element.

  • Ability to lead new customer hardware migrations and current client hardware upgrades with little direction.

  • Above average understanding of the network connectivity requirements for the mainframe, DASD and Tape subsystem HMCs.

  • Ability to interact with account management and project managers.

  • Experience interacting with vendors and geographically disperse Data Center support staff and implementation teams.

  • Strong analytical, problem definition, and problem resolution skills.

  • Able to follow multiple ITSM processes and procedures. Good familiarity with Excel, Visio and MS Project or their equivalent.

  • Ability to evaluate proposed architecture for supportability prior to sharing with clients.

  • The successful candidate will be able to design hardware solutions to meet client and business requirements.

  • Above average knowledge of the z/OS operating system.

  • Familiarity with tape and DASD replication methodologies for various mainframe vendors.

  • Build and maintain mainframe DR configurations for multiple clients at multiple different Recovery Facilities.

  • Participate in Disaster Recovery Tests.

  • Familiarity with data encryption technologies on the mainframe.

  • Familiarity with Putty.

  • Ability to mentor and train Jr. Hardware Configuration team members

  • Knowledge of z/VM or z/Linux considered a plus.

Why Ensono?

Ensono is a place to make better happen – for our clients and for your career. You can do great things through innovation or collaboration, by learning or volunteering, or to promote diversity and inclusion. You can do great things for your own health or for a healthier planet. Whatever it means to you to do great things we want Ensono to be the place you can do it.

We are a client-facing business, but we do encourage clients to allow us to work remotely most of the time so if you are not required to be on a client site, you can choose to work from home or in our Ensono offices.

Some of our benefits include:

  • Unlimited Paid Days Off

  • Three health plan options

  • 401k with company match

  • Eligibility for dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life and AD&D coverage, and flexible spending accounts

  • Family Forming Benefit including fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy reimbursement

  • Paid childbearing and paternal leave

  • Education Reimbursement, Student Loan Assistance or 529 College Funding

  • Sabbatical leave

  • Wellness program

  • Flexible work schedule

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this role is $102,000 to $148,000 annually based on a full-time schedule. Please note that placement in the range may vary based on numerous factors including but not limited to skills, experience, internal equity, and business needs. In addition to base salary, other compensation programs, depending on eligibility, include an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance, and an equity grant under our Associate Equity Appreciation Program.

Ensono is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment to our Associates and building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

Pay transparency nondiscrimination statement/posting OFCCP’s pay transparency policy can be found onOFCCP’s website (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf) .

If you need accommodation at any point during the application or interview process, please let your recruiter know or email USTalentAcquisition@ensono.com .

JR013743


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About Ensono

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ensono, our **Purpose is to be a relentless ally, disrupting the status quo and unleashing our clients to** **_Do Great Things!_** We enable our clients to achieve key business outcomes that reshape how our world runs. As an expert technology adviser and managed service provider with cross-platform certifications, Ensono empowers our clients to keep up with continuous change and embrace innovation.

Industry

It services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Downers Grove, IL, US

Year founded

1969

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