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Mainframe Technical Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Technical Lead for Mainframe Platform (z/OS| Dell Storage| IMS| DB2| RACF| CA JobTrac) to govern operations| changes and sustainability upgrade projects. Interface between Freddie Mac teams and ...

TECHNICAL LEAD L1

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$60K - $135K/yr

TECHNICAL LEAD L1 City: Charlotte State/Province: North Carolina Posting Start Date: 5/4/26 Wipro ... Working experience on development of mainframe applications with end-to-end life cycle knowledge.

Director, Mainframe Systems Programming

$56.25 - $71.75/hr

Leverage your breath of experiences to lead the organization through cross-functional and ... Bring deep Mainframe technical expertise, including z/OS system programming, ISV Upgrades ...

Technical Lead - II_Cobol Location: Morris Plains, NJ 07950 * The role involves guiding the company ... Over 10 years of mainframe experience (Cobol, JCL, DB2, VSAM). * hands-on Teradata SQL and ...

... • Lead development team and operate hands on with Boomi implementations • Drive technical ... mainframe systems is a plus • Must have AS400 integration experience KPMG LLP ("KPMG") seeks a ...

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Mainframe Technical Lead information

See salary details

$30K

$156.3K

$206K

How much do mainframe technical lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for mainframe technical lead in the United States is $156,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mainframe Technical Lead vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframe Technical LeadMainframe Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; certifications like IBM Certified Specialist are commonSimilar credentials; often holds a bachelor's degree and relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads teams in enterprise mainframe environments, overseeing project executionFocuses on coding, testing, and maintaining mainframe applications
ResponsibilitiesTechnical leadership, project coordination, mentoringApplication development, debugging, and implementation
Industry UsageUsed across banking, finance, insurance, and large enterprisesPrimarily in similar industries, focusing on software development

The Mainframe Technical Lead and Mainframe Developer roles share similar credentials and industry environments. However, the Technical Lead focuses on guiding teams and managing projects, while the Developer concentrates on coding and application maintenance.

What are some common challenges faced by Mainframe Technical Leads when integrating legacy systems with modern technologies?

Mainframe Technical Leads often encounter challenges when bridging legacy mainframe systems with newer technologies, such as ensuring data consistency, managing system interoperability, and addressing security concerns during integration. These projects require strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including application developers, database administrators, and security analysts. Staying current with both mainframe and modern integration tools is essential, as is the ability to communicate technical requirements and solutions to stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds.

What is a Mainframe Technical Lead?

A Mainframe Technical Lead is an IT professional responsible for overseeing and guiding teams in the development, maintenance, and optimization of mainframe computer systems. They provide technical leadership, coordinate projects, ensure best practices, and troubleshoot complex system issues. Mainframe Technical Leads often work with legacy technologies, such as COBOL, IBM z/OS, and DB2, ensuring mission-critical applications run smoothly and securely. They serve as a bridge between business requirements and technical implementation, mentoring junior staff and collaborating with other IT teams. Their role is crucial in industries like banking, insurance, and government, where mainframes support large-scale, high-volume transactions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Technical Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Technical Lead, you need deep expertise in mainframe systems (such as IBM z/OS), programming languages like COBOL or Assembler, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as JCL, DB2, CICS, and source control systems, along with certifications like IBM Certified System Programmer, is highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set standout candidates apart by enabling effective team management and stakeholder collaboration. These competencies are critical for ensuring system reliability, guiding modernization projects, and delivering high-quality mainframe solutions in complex enterprise environments.
More about Mainframe Technical Lead jobs
What cities are hiring for Mainframe Technical Lead jobs? Cities with the most Mainframe Technical Lead job openings:
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Infographic showing various Mainframe Technical Lead job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,348 per year, or $75.2 per hour.

Mainframe Engineer

ConfigUSA

Mclean, VA • On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Contractor

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Location: McLean, VA- 100% ONSITE- Submit only local candidates who can go for f2f interview

Duration: 6 months

Role: Engineer

MUST READ-

Note: This is a 100% onsite role to McLean, VA – submit only local candidates allowed who can go for f2f interview. Do not submit non-local profiles. 

Role Descriptions: The Mainframe engineers responsibilities include:

Technical Lead for Mainframe Platform (z/OS| Dell Storage| IMS| DB2| RACF| CA JobTrac) to govern operations| changes and sustainability upgrade projects.

Interface between Freddie Mac teams and Managed Service Supplier for issue resolution & change coordination.

Accountable for governance and oversight on contractual SLAs and key metrics.

Perform technical review| validation| coordination and compliance assurance for Vendor Managed and business requested Mainframe infrastructure changes (maintenance and sustainability upgrades) Execute risk management controls| Baseline Security Compliance activities and audit support| involving technical review and execution of z/OS| IMS| DB2 and zSecure subsystems| involving RACF security.

Work as client side - technical SME for Mainframe infrastructure subsystems| to hold Managed Service Provider accountable to deliver on the changes and contracted services Requires detailed knowledge of z/OS| IMS and DB2 subsystems and RACF security services  Flexibility for unscheduled engagement to lead & drive major incident resolutions & planned after-hour releases.

 Perform root cause analysis with corrective and preventive measures.

Communicates and Influences effectively. Your Impact:

Identifies technical risks to planned system upgrades and works toward implementing mitigations to those risks.

Reviews completion and implementation of system upgrades and/or enhancements and makes recommendations to management on opportunities for improvement.

 Identifies| analyzes| and resolves system problems. Qualifications:

5+ years of hands on experience in mainframe infrastructure engineering

Knowledge of z/OS architectures and z/OS internals Knowledge of the zSecure tool and its is own language| Carla| for customization a plus Knowledge of mainframe security and RACF Knowledge of mainframe security related to supporting audits & findings  in reference to BSCs| key managements a plus Knowledge of IBM Mainframe System - JCL| CICS| SQL| z/OS| DB2| IMS| VSAM| XML| TSO/ISPF| zconnect Keys to Success in this Role:

Proactive and ability to think creatively and execute in a manner that respects and meets appropriate internal controls.