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Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in Madison, WI

IT America Inc

Disaster Recovery Engineer

Madison, WI · Remote

... mainframes and client server platforms to ensure business continuity. * Interface with clients ... Skilled System Administrator with both Windows and Linux * Very strong skills with ESX/VMware ...

Atria Group LLC

Guideware Consultant

Madison, WI · On-site

... and programming, software engineering, systems development, testing, integration, and ... Excellent skills in Data Bases (GreenPlum, Oracle, DB2 Mainframe) (worked at least 2 to 3 years in ...

MIT RESOURCE

Sr. Java Developer

Madison, WI

$57.75 - $73.50/hr

... systems. The successful candidate must be capable of working very independently and, at times ... mainframe, midrange, Web and PC computing environments desirable; in-depth experience in one or ...

NCR Voyix

Field Service Technician I

Madison, WI · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Field Engineer? Service Technician? Or do you want to start a career in this field? Are you tech ... Perform maintenance, repair, PM work, and system overhauls. Basic Qualifications to qualify:

All JobsMainframe Systems Programmer JobsMainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in Madison, WI

Mainframe Systems Programmer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$10

$58

$78

How much do mainframe systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe systems programmer in Madison, WI is $58.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.32 and $67.84 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 Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 77% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,948 per year, or $58.6 per hour.
IBM Mainframe Administrator

IBM Mainframe Administrator

IT America Inc

Madison, WI • Remote

Contractor

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Title: IBM Mainframe Administrator

Location: Remote (Needs to travel to client site when required with your own expenses)

Duration: Long term contract

Job Summary

We are seeking an IBM Mainframe Administrator with expertise in data center migration, consolidation, and modernization. This role is responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing mainframe migrations while ensuring high availability, minimal downtime, and data integrity. The ideal candidate will work with cross-functional teams to transition mainframe workloads from on[1]premise to new data center locations or cloud-hosted mainframes while adhering to industry best practices.

Job Description:

System Management: Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of mainframe hardware, software, and operating systems.

Performance Monitoring: Monitor system performance and ensure optimal operation by identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks.

Security Management: Implement and maintain robust security protocols to protect mainframe systems from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Backup and Recovery: Develop and manage backup and recovery procedures to ensure data integrity and availability in case of system failures.

Storage Management: Manage and maintain Mainframe Storage Arrays and File Systems including Virtual Tape systems and subsystems.

Problem Resolution: Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to mainframe systems, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption to business operations.

Capacity Planning: Conduct capacity planning and forecasting to ensure the mainframe environment can handle current and future workloads efficiently.

Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of system configurations, procedures, and changes for reference and compliance purposes.

Support: Provide technical support and guidance to other IT staff and users regarding mainframe-related issues and queries.

Technical Skills

Mainframe Platforms: IBM zSeries, z/OS, z/VM, z/Linux

Storage & Backup: DFSMS, HSM, SRDF, Tape Backup, VTS, DataMover

Networking & Security: TCP/IP, VTAM, OSA, RACF, MFA, Firewall Configurations

Database & Applications: DB2, IMS, VSAM, MQ Series, COBOL, JCL

Monitoring & Performance: IBM OMEGAMON, MainView, Splunk, CA-7 Job Scheduler

Automation & Scripting: REXX, CLIST, Python for mainframe automation

Data Center Migration Planning & Execution

  • Lead end-to-end migration of IBM mainframes from legacy data centers to new on-premise or cloud-based environments.
  • Develop mainframe workload migration strategies, including LPAR, data replication, and application transition.
  • Perform impact analysis, risk assessments, and dependency mapping before migration.
  • Implement cutover plans, rollback strategies, and failover testing to minimize downtime

Mainframe Infrastructure Setup & Configuration

  • Configure and optimize IBM zSeries (z/OS, z/VM, z/Linux) environments in the new data center.
  • Manage LPAR provisioning, network segmentation, and workload balancing post-migration.
  • Tune system parameters, workload scheduling, and CPU resource allocation to maintain performance.
  • Ensure successful integration of migrated workloads with existing applications and databases.

Storage & Data Migration

  • Perform high-volume data migrations using tools like IBM DataMover, DFSMS, and SRDF/EMC storage replication.
  • Manage tape backup, virtual tape systems (VTS), and storage tiering for migration efficiency.
  • Ensure DB2, IMS, and VSAM databases are securely migrated with minimal data loss.
  • Conduct pre- and post-migration data integrity checks

Network & Security Compliance in Migration

  • Implement mainframe network reconfiguration post-migration (TCP/IP, SNA, VTAM, OSA).
  • Maintain RACF security policies during and after migration to ensure role-based access control (RBAC) compliance.
  • Ensure encryption of in-transit and at-rest data meets regulatory standards (ISO 27001, PCI[1]DSS, GDPR).
  • Work with security teams to implement firewall rules, VPN access, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote mainframe users

Performance Optimization & Troubleshooting

  • Monitor CPU, memory, and storage utilization before, during, and after migration.
  • Use tools like IBM OMEGAMON, MainView, and Splunk for performance tracking and issue detection.
  • Optimize batch job execution, scheduling, and workload distribution post-migration.
  • Troubleshoot CICS, DB2, MQ Series, and COBOL application performance issues related to migration.

Disaster Recovery (DR) & High Availability

  • Implement DR and failover mechanisms in the new data center.
  • Conduct disaster recovery tests (DR drills) and failover validation to ensure business continuity.
  • Integrate mainframe workloads with cloud-based DR solutions (IBM Cloud, AWS, Azure)

Documentation & Post-Migration Support

  • Create runbooks, system configuration documentation, and migration reports.
  • Document troubleshooting guides and knowledge base articles for ongoing support.
  • Train internal teams on mainframe operations in the new data center environment

Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in IBM mainframe operations, with 3+ years in data center migration projects.
  • Proven expertise in z/OS, CICS, DB2, IMS, RACF, JCL, and MQ Series.
  • Experience in data migration, workload balancing, and post-migration tuning

Certifications (Preferred but Not Mandatory)

  • IBM Certified System Administrator – z/OS
  • IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2
  • ITIL Foundation Certification (for change management in migrations)
  • AWS/Azure Certified Cloud Practitioner (if cloud-hosted mainframe migration is required)

General Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and mentoring junior mainframe engineers