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Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in Massachusetts

Astrion

$125K - $135K/yr

OR 20 years of technical network engineering experience with proper certifications, 8 of which must ... operation of business systems which may be mainframe, mini, client/server, or cloud based.

Tyto Athene, LLC

Desktop Support Level II

Chicopee, MA · On-site

$20.25 - $26/hr

Responsibilities : • Provide support to end-users for PC, server, mainframe applications, and ... software systems engineering, and/or applications development to restore service and/or identify ...

DTCC

Platform Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

... systems and platforms. The Platform Hosting & Engineering role specializes in the development, implementation, and support of all distributed, mainframe, and network hosting services across the firm.

DTCC

Platform Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

... systems and platforms. The Platform Hosting & Engineering role specializes in the development, implementation, and support of all distributed, mainframe, and network hosting services across the firm.

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All JobsMainframe Systems Programmer JobsMainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in Massachusetts

Mainframe Systems Programmer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$11

$63

$85

How much do mainframe systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe systems programmer in Massachusetts is $63.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57.74 and $73.51 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.
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Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Systems Programmer job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 76% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,154 per year, or $63.5 per hour.
Systems Analyst-Technical Staff

Systems Analyst-Technical Staff

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Tactical Autonomy Group develops and delivers AI-enabled autonomy and robotic systems where it counts - at the tactical edge. The Group combines academic depth in algorithms, controls, and machine learning with direct mission pull from operational end-users to solve problems others can't. We don't stop at papers: we design, build, integrate, field-test, and transition autonomy stacks - spanning perception, decision-making, learning, and control - into real operations.

Position Description

The Group is seeking applicants to conduct rigorous and insightful systems analysis addressing the capability and impact of autonomous systems for the military and intelligence community. This requires the development of physics and engineering-based models of these systems in various programming languages.  Scenarios may be run in varied modeling and simulation software suites such as Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM); Digital Integrated Air Defense System (DIADS); and internal Lincoln Laboratory-developed modeling capabilities. Since autonomous systems involve many integrated components and need to operate across many domains, a successful candidate should have the ability to understand a wide array of technologies including autonomy algorithms, sensors, aircraft, communication systems, electronic warfare systems, and navigation. Applicants should be adaptable to new problems that may be outside their formal training and understand how these technologies integrate into a "big picture" solution. Applicants should also demonstrate strong team leadership skills and enjoy working in a team environment.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Robotics, or a related field. 
  • In lieu of a Ph.D., a Masters in the above areas with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience will be considered. 
  • Experience developing physics-based models using MATLAB, C++, Python, or other similar languages. 
  • Direct experience with the development of autonomous systems is preferred. 
  • Candidates should have strong skills in the development and presentation of technical materials to varied audiences.

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $145,200 - $170,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $145,200 - $220,000

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 43070 

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