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Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apolis

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer

Westlake, OH · On-site

$51 - $64.75/hr

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer The Sr. Mainframe Systems programmer is responsible for the overall engineering, operations, and planning of the mainframe, IBM z/OS operating system software and ...

Keylent Inc

Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer

$56.25 - $71.75/hr

Mainframe z/OS Systems Programmer Install, configure, and maintain mainframe operating systems, such as z/OS, z/VM, or z/VSE, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Collaborate with other IT ...

Idealforce

Mainframe Systems Programmer(34394)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$54.50 - $69.50/hr

Mainframe Systems Programmer IDEALFORCE has a contract position available immediately for a Mainframe System Programmer to join our customer in Phoenix, AZ. Please find below additional details about ...

NTT DATA Services

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Buffalo, NY · On-site +1

$95K - $222K/yr

This Mainframe Systems Programmer role involves upgrading and supporting the z/OS operating system and ISV products, mainly from IBM and Computer Associates (CA). The successful candidate: * will ...

NTT DATA Services

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$95K - $222K/yr

This Mainframe Systems Programmer role involves upgrading and supporting the z/OS operating system and ISV products, mainly from IBM and Computer Associates (CA). The successful candidate: * will ...

NTT DATA Services

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Buffalo, NY · On-site +1

$95K - $222K/yr

This Mainframe Systems Programmer role involves upgrading and supporting the z/OS operating system and ISV products, mainly from IBM and Computer Associates (CA). The successful candidate: * will ...

My3Tech Inc

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60.75 - $77.25/hr

... two z/OS Systems Programmers whose primary responsibility will include: • Ongoing maintenance (install, patching, upgrades, administration, etc.,) of the mainframe z/OS operating system ...

Keylent Inc

Z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer

Gwynn Oak, MD · On-site

$57.25 - $73/hr

Z/OS Mainframe Systems Programmer Location: Woodlawn, MD Duration: Long Term Education / Experience: Doctorate and 03 years' experience, Masters and 05 years' experience, Bachelors and 07 years ...

Samprasoft

Mainframe Infrastructure Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$62.25 - $79.25/hr

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer 8-10 years' experience of senior mainframe systems programmer background is required. Infrastructure engineer with hands-on experience. Building robust mainframe ...

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Mainframe Systems Programmer information

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How much do mainframe systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe systems programmer in the United States is $58.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.88 and $67.31 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 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 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 the United States 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 $121,006 per year, or $58.2 per hour.
Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer

Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer

System Soft Technologies

Bay Village, OH • On-site

$51 - $64.75/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Full job description
As this is a hybrid role based out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, we will focus on candidates who currently reside in Northeast Ohio.
The Sr. Mainframe Systems programmer is responsible for the overall engineering, operations, and planning of the mainframe, IBM z/OS operating system software and all other IBM and third-party software.
**This is not an application development role, it is a deep technical infrastructure position focused on the performance, stability, and configuration of the mainframe environment. **
The individual will be responsible for providing technical expertise and guidance to the applications support team, the scheduling team, and to data center operations. This individual will work closely with IT leadership to develop long-term strategies to optimize the effective use of the mainframe platform.
As the primary technical mainframe specialist, the individual will also be responsible for mainframe storage, tape library management and disaster recovery to ensure that all business-critical applications can be recovered in the event of data loss or system outages.
The individual will also be responsible for providing senior technical expertise and direction to third-party consultants including application developers and technical resources. The individual in this role will help to plan and oversee mainframe technical project execution, server engineering skills, and technical resource deployment to ensure quality outcomes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Function as the subject matter expert for the mainframe platform to provide technical expertise and support to infrastructure, applications and third-party teams.
  • Lead the planning, installation, configuration, customization, and testing of IBM z/OS and all third-party mainframe software packages such as TopSecret, CA-1, CA-Disk, BMC AMI Storage, Endevor, MIM, VPS, and various associated products.
  • Perform CICS administration.
  • JobTrac application administration.
  • Drive capacity planning and resource optimization for the mainframe, storage and tape management systems.
  • Ability to evaluate specifications and features of new products, performing cost comparisons, feasibility and cost benefit analysis, performance, compatibility and testing to make recommendations.
  • Mentor less experienced Mainframe System Administrators including assigning work, reviewing work for adherence to standards, and providing technical guidance.
  • Assist with the overall disaster recovery planning and annual testing for the mainframe and storage replication services.
  • Identify and plan for the use of new technologies and capabilities including Linux and cloud-ready capabilities to improve optimized use of the mainframe platform.
  • Perform performance data collection, analysis, and the tuning of the z/OS operating system and associated applications.
  • Develop standards and procedures that support current and future operational needs with a focus on continuous improvement and automation on the mainframe environment.
  • Work closely with the corporate IT leadership to develop and implement new technology and solutions.
  • Assist with the planning and delivery of all major software upgrades, system maintenance activities, technical patching and hardware refresh initiatives for the mainframe environment.
  • Manage and drive IT service delivery and management disciplines with the mainframe and data center operations teams including incident, change and problem management.
  • Review technical requirements and solutions to ensure that mainframe security requirements are addressed and are in line with corporate standards.
  • Provide engineering and support of the enterprise scheduling packages including the training and development of process documentation for the scheduling and data center operations teams.
  • Assist the client security team with the provision of system and application access to mainframe hosted applications.
  • Work closely with manufacturing and distribution locations to install, configure and support printer hardware and software administration.
Experience Required:
Required Length & Type of Experience:
  • 10+ years of technical experience in engineering and supporting a large, complex mainframe and open system environment.
  • 5+ years of providing technical leadership and engineering assistance to experienced and junior infrastructure engineers and administrators.
  • Hands on, proven experience installing IBM mainframe hardware, operating systems and major third-party software vendors including CA, BMC, LRS and Information Builders.
  • Experience in designing, implementing and operating enterprise-wide mainframe and server infrastructure in a highly virtualized and dynamic environment.
  • Experience planning for and executing large, complex projects including major hardware architecture changes, hardware refreshes, major software version upgrades and global consolidations across multiple sites.
  • Experience delivering and supporting services that are used across large organizations with international, 24 x 7 support needs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Expert-level knowledge of IBM z/OS operating system administration, performance tuning, installation, upgrade and patching.
  • Strong knowledge and technical skills in IBM mainframe hardware including hardware installs and upgrades, firmware and module patching and lifecycle planning.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of IBM mainframe storage and tape management systems including storage replication technology.
  • Deep knowledge in CICS administration.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of mainframe security, CICS and workload management tools and methodologies.
  • Strong knowledge of JobTrac administration.
  • Knowledge of database concepts in Mainframe, particularly in IDMS database administration.
  • Ability to plan for and execute third-party software patching and upgrades on the mainframe to resolve technical issues and maintain supported versions of all installed software.
  • Ability to provide strong and effective technical leadership to infrastructure and application resources to drive new development efforts.
  • Strong knowledge of ITIL service management and disciplines to drive continuous improvement of service delivery.
  • Ability to learn new technologies and apply skills to drive adoption of new capabilities and improve overall usage of the mainframe platform.
  • Ability to demonstrate and deliver excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills to drive rapid problem resolution individually and within the server team.
  • Strong understanding of project implementations, project structure and life cycle and best practice standards and tools.
  • Excellent communications and interpersonal skills to drive process improvements within the server team and across other infrastructure teams.

Education Required:
Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent combination of relevant education, training and experience.

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