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Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Apex Systems

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

Job#: 3032547 Mainframe Programmer Location: Brookfield, Wisconsin (Onsite) Employment Type: W2 ... Support enhancements, defect fixes, and ongoing maintenance of high-volume transactional systems.

RIT Solutions, Inc.

ETL Developer

Madison, WI · Hybrid

$51.50 - $67.25/hr

Title- ETL Developer Location: Hartford, CT, hybrid schedule Length: 12 months+ * ETL - strong SSI ... Ideally recent experience with COBOL mainframe systems, migrating from * Data Mapping, Data ...

US Bank

z/OS Systems Engineer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

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 ...

MARS Solutions Group

Systems Engineer - Senior

Franklin, WI · On-site

$97K - $132.80K/yr

MARS Solutions Group is looking for an experienced ONSITE Systems Engineer for a client located in ... Conduct Distributed, Cloud, and Mainframe platform DR tests * Disaster Recovery gap identification ...

Apex Systems

Technical Analyst

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$40 - $60/hr

... with developers to translate requirements into actionable user stories and technical specifications. * Assist in modernization efforts, including migration away from legacy mainframe systems.

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How much do mainframe systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe systems programmer in Wisconsin is $58.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.37 and $67.93 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 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 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 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.

More about Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs
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Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Systems Programmer job openings in Wisconsin as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 49% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $122,138 per year, or $58.7 per hour.
Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$54.25 - $69/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 hours ago

Northwestern Mutual rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

146th of 259 rated insurance

Job description

About the Job
This is a mainframe role focused on IBM z/OS environments.
While the role exists within the broader Software Engineering family, day-to-day responsibilities are exclusively centered on z/OS platform engineering and operations. Experience with distributed systems or cloud technologies is not required for success in this position.
What You'll Do
  • Mentor, enable, and teach peers to be self-sufficient within the mainframe platform
  • Apply engineering standard methodologies to analyze, design, and maintain z/OS system-level solutions
  • Leverage established standards, best practices, and automation to support mission-critical mainframe workloads
  • Identify complex system-level problems and implement reliable, supportable solutions in a highly regulated production environment
  • Review, verify, and validate system-level changes, configurations, and automation introduced into production
  • Drive continuous improvement across reliability, availability, performance, security, and operational efficiency
  • Develop, maintain, and execute disaster recovery and redundancy strategies
  • Partners with vendors and enterprise teams on emerging best practices, patterns, and technologies
  • Proactively learn emerging platforms and related technologies
  • Establish and maintain best practices related to compliance, security, privacy, and legal requirements
  • Anticipate deviations from standard practices and determine practical paths forward
  • Track industry trends relevant to the domain and apply them where appropriate
  • Break down complex problems into manageable components and help others do the same

Mainframe / z/OS-Focused Responsibilities
  • Perform hands-on z/OS system administration including IPLs, system startup/shutdown, parameter tuning, and system recovery
  • Plan, execute, and validate IBM and ISV software installs and upgrades using z/OSMF Software Instances and Workflows
  • Manage SMP/E environments including PTFs, HOLDDATA, USERMODs, and consolidation builds
  • Install, analyze, and modify system exits and USERMODs, including assembler updates when required
  • Build and maintain system-resident DASD volumes, system libraries, and reproducible system builds
  • Configure and administer JES2
  • Administer RACF security including users, groups, profiles, access controls, and policy enforcement
  • Author, debug, and optimize JCL for batch processing
  • Analyze SMF/RMF data for accounting, capacity planning, and system performance tuning
  • Administer and tune DFSMS components including DFSMShsm and DFSMSrmm
  • Configure and troubleshoot TCP/IP for z/OS and associated services
  • Develop automation and tools using REXX, CLIST, and UNIX System Services scripting
  • Use monitoring tools such as BMC MainView and/or Intellimagic Vision
  • Support mainframe hardware environments including HMC operations, CPC/LPAR configuration, and IBM zSeries platforms
  • Participate in on-call rotations and ITIL-aligned incident, change, and problem management
  • Coordinate with vendors and ISVs for licensing, problem determination, and PTF coordination
  • Create and maintain documentation, runbooks, SOPs, and operational procedures
  • Mentor and train junior staff on z/OS engineering and operational practices

What You'll Bring to the Role
Note: This position requires deep experience in IBM z/OS systems programming. Candidates whose background is primarily AWS, Linux, Windows, or distributed/cloud platforms without substantial mainframe experience are unlikely to be a fit.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • At least 4 years of relevant experience
  • 5+ years of professional IT experience, primarily focused on enterprise mainframe platforms
  • Experience applying DevOps concepts, Agile methodologies, and automation in mainframe environments
  • Experience monitoring and tuning performance of large-scale systems
  • Working knowledge of scripting or programming concepts for automation
  • Familiarity with authentication, authorization, certificates, and vulnerability management

Required z/OS / Mainframe Experience
  • Extensive hands-on experience as a z/OS Systems Programmer in production environments
  • Strong knowledge of z/OS internals, JES2, RACF, SMP/E, and system libraries
  • Proven expertise in SMF/RMF-based performance tuning, capacity planning, and problem determination
  • Experience with DASD, tape management, and SAN technologies, including Hyperswap
  • Proficiency with REXX, CLIST, and USS shell scripting (additional languages a plus)
  • Experience supporting Sysplex and Coupling Facility environments (preferred)
  • Exposure to subsystems such as CICS, DB2, and MQ and their integration with z/OS
  • Knowledge of PKI/SSL, LDAP integration, Kerberos, and mainframe security hardening
  • Experience with z/OSMF, Ansible, or automation/orchestration tooling for mainframe lifecycle management
  • Familiarity with cloud-to-mainframe integration or CI/CD concepts as applied to z/OS
  • Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills under sustained production pressure

Skills You Have
The hiring team will assess candidates against the following skills:
  • Communicates complex technical information clearly across both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Designs and supports systems with a strong customer-first mindset, particularly for mission-critical platforms.
  • Designs, implements, and maintains enterprise-class hardware, system software, networks, and data storage platforms.
  • Uses monitoring and performance tools to diagnose, optimize, and stabilize system performance.
  • Demonstrates deep expertise in operating system architecture, internals, and resource management.
  • Develops, maintains, and documents complex programs, scripts, and automation.
  • Resolves complex technical issues and drives alignment on durable solutions in production environments.

#LI-Remote #LI-Hybrid
Compensation Range:
Pay Range - Start:
$118,960.00
Pay Range - End:
$178,440.00
Geographic Specific Pay Structure:
Structure 110:
$130,880.00 USD - $196,320.00 USD
Structure 115:
$136,800.00 USD - $205,200.00 USD
We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.
Job Posting End Date:
07/31/2026
The timeline for this job posting may be shortened or extended based on organizational needs.
Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do. Get started now!
Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

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About Northwestern Mutual

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Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for over 160 years through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution. With more than $290 billion in assets, $30 billion in revenues and more than $1.9 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.6 million clients. People are the power behind Northwestern Mutual, and diversity makes us better. We are committed to reflecting and serving the marketplace. We do so by attracting and improving the engagement of those who bring their outstanding perspectives, ideas, and beliefs.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

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