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Mainframe Technology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe technologies * DevOps practices * Modern integration stacks * Build culture of: * Accountability and ownership * Peer review and quality discipline * Continuous learning and upskilling 8. ...

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · Hybrid

$43.50 - $55.75/hr

Working as part of the Applications Development team within our Information Technology department, this position is responsible for supporting mainframe technology including the coding, design ...

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

If you are passionate about Mainframe technology and possess the skills and experience required for this role, we encourage you to apply today! This is a Direct Hire role.

Mainframe Architect

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$79 - $80/hr

Technical knowledge and experience with mainframe technology. COBOL 10years, CICS 10 yrs, VSAM 10yrs, and * JCL (10yrs.) * Knowledge and experience in converting data from one application to another ...

Mainframe Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

If you thrive in a remote-friendly environment and have a passion for mainframe technology, we want to hear from you! Responsibilities: * Design, develop, and maintain mainframe applications and ...

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

If you are passionate about Mainframe technology and possess the skills and experience required for this role, we encourage you to apply today. This is a Direct Hire role. Saige Partners, one of the ...

Mainframe Developer

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

If you're passionate about mainframe technology and ready to make a real impact, we want to hear from you! Responsibilities: * Develop, maintain, and optimize mainframe applications and systems

Mainframe Developer - Local

Frisco, TX · On-site

$45.75 - $59/hr

Design and develop scalable and resilient systems using Mainframe tech to contribute to continual, iterative improvements for product teams. Executes software solutions, design, development, and ...

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

If you're experienced with mainframe technologies and meet the requirements below, we'd love to connect. What we're looking for: · 12+ years working with Mainframe technologies · Strong experience ...

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Mainframe Technology information

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$10

$53

$72

How much do mainframe technology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe technology in the United States is $53.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is mainframe technology hard to learn?

Mainframe technology can be challenging for beginners due to its specialized programming languages like COBOL and JCL, as well as its unique environment and tools. However, with dedicated training and practice, individuals can develop proficiency in mainframe systems and related skills such as data management and security. Learning resources and certifications are available to support new learners in this field.

Is mainframe technology still in demand?

Mainframe technology remains in demand for large organizations such as banks, government agencies, and insurance companies that rely on legacy systems for critical operations. Skilled mainframe professionals with knowledge of COBOL, JCL, and mainframe security are sought after to maintain and upgrade these systems, which often have long lifespans and require specialized expertise.

What opportunities for career growth exist in mainframe technology roles?

Mainframe Technology professionals have diverse advancement opportunities, ranging from senior system programmer and database administrator positions to roles in systems architecture and IT management. Many organizations offer structured training and certification programs to help you specialize in areas such as performance tuning, security, or modernization projects. As you gain experience, you may also transition into project leadership or consulting roles, often collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to drive mission-critical business operations. The demand for mainframe expertise remains strong, especially in industries like banking, insurance, and government, which rely on these systems for high-volume transactions.

What is the difference between Mainframe Technology vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframe TechnologyMainframe Developer
Primary FocusDesign, implementation, and maintenance of mainframe systems and infrastructureWriting, testing, and debugging mainframe applications and programs
Required SkillsKnowledge of mainframe hardware, operating systems (z/OS), and system administrationProficiency in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe programming languages
Work EnvironmentData centers, enterprise IT departments, mainframe roomsDevelopment labs, enterprise IT teams, mainframe environments
CertificationsIBM Certified System Administrator, z/OS certificationsIBM COBOL certifications, programming certifications

While Mainframe Technology involves managing and maintaining the overall mainframe systems, Mainframe Developers focus on creating and modifying applications running on these systems. Both roles require knowledge of mainframe environments and often work together within enterprise IT teams to ensure reliable and efficient mainframe operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe technology specialist?

To thrive as a Mainframe Technology Specialist, you need a solid understanding of mainframe systems, programming languages like COBOL or Assembler, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with z/OS, JCL, DB2, CICS, and mainframe monitoring tools is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals troubleshoot complex issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure reliable operation, efficient problem-solving, and the successful management of critical enterprise computing environments.

Is mainframe a good career option?

Mainframe technology is a stable and well-established career path, with demand for professionals skilled in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe operating systems like z/OS. It offers competitive salaries, job security, and opportunities for specialization, especially in industries like finance and government that rely heavily on mainframe systems.

What is mainframe technology?

Mainframe technology refers to the use of powerful computers, known as mainframes, which are designed to handle large-scale data processing and support thousands of users simultaneously. Mainframes are commonly used by businesses and organizations for critical applications such as bulk data processing, transaction processing, and enterprise resource planning. They are known for their reliability, security, and ability to process vast amounts of data quickly. Mainframes remain essential in industries like banking, insurance, healthcare, and government due to their robustness and scalability.
More about Mainframe Technology jobs
What cities are hiring for Mainframe Technology jobs? Cities with the most Mainframe Technology job openings:
What states have the most Mainframe Technology jobs? States with the most job openings for Mainframe Technology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Technology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 17% Internship, 67% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Mainframe Tech lead

United IT Solutions

Buffalo, NY • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Leads a cross-functional engineering team responsible for development, modernization, and support of mission-critical mainframe systems integrated with modern platforms (ZConnect, ZDIH) and enterprise DevOps tooling (GitLab CI/CD).

This role drives end-to-end ownership across architecture, engineering delivery, QA practices, and DevOps pipelines, ensuring scalable, secure, and high-quality solutions aligned with enterprise SDLC and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership & Delivery Ownership

  • Lead design, development, and support of mainframe applications (z/OS, COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM) integrated with modern services
  • Own end-to-end SDLC delivery: design → build → test → deploy → operate
  • Serve as technical authority and SME across mainframe and modernization initiatives

2. Solution Architecture & Design Governance

  • Define and enforce end-to-end solution architecture across:
    • Mainframe systems
    • ZConnect API layer
    • ZDIH / data integration platforms
    • Distributed/cloud ecosystems
  • Own creation and governance of:
    • Solution Architecture Documents (SAD)
    • Component, integration, and data flow diagrams
  • Ensure:  
    • Loose coupling between legacy and modern systems
    • API-first and event-driven design where applicable
    • Scalability, resiliency, and performance considerations
  • Conduct architecture reviews and design approvals before development initiation

3. DevOps, GitLab & Pipeline Ownership

  • Lead adoption and governance of GitLab-based CI/CD pipelines
  • Define and enforce:
    • Branching strategies (feature / release / hotfix)
    • Merge request standards and approvals
    • Code quality gates (Sonar, coverage thresholds)
  • Drive pipeline standardization and automation, reducing manual steps
  • Own pipeline troubleshooting and continuous improvement

4. Modernization & Integration (ZConnect / ZDIH)

  • Lead delivery of z/OS Connect APIs enabling mainframe services
  • Drive adoption of ZDIH and hybrid integration patterns
  • Identify opportunities to:
    • Decouple legacy logic
    • Enable reusable APIs and services
  • Ensure secure and scalable integration with distributed platforms

5. QA Engineering & Quality Practices

Test Strategy & Governance

  • Define and enforce end-to-end QA strategy, including:
    • Unit testing
    • Integration testing
    • System / end-to-end testing
    • Regression testing
  • Ensure test strategy is documented and approved prior to development

Automation & DevOps Integration

  • Drive test automation integrated into GitLab pipelines:
    • Automated unit tests
    • Regression test suites
    • Pipeline-based validation and quality gates
  • Enforce shift-left testing practices across the team

Quality Engineering Standards

  • Establish and enforce:
    • Code quality standards (static analysis, peer review)
    • Test coverage thresholds
    • Defect lifecycle discipline and root cause analysis
  • Ensure test data strategy and environment stability

Release & Production Quality

  • Define release validation criteria:  
    • Pre-production validation
    • Deployment smoke tests
    • Post-deployment verification
  • Reduce:  
    • Production defects
    • Rework and regression failures

6. Engineering Excellence & Automation

  • Drive automation-first mindset:  
    • Minimize manual batch/process work
    • Automate validation, deployments, and monitoring
  • Improve:  
    • Cycle time
    • Deployment consistency
    • Operational resilience

7. Team Leadership & Talent Development

  • Lead and mentor engineers across:
    • Mainframe technologies
    • DevOps practices
    • Modern integration stacks
  • Build culture of:
    • Accountability and ownership
    • Peer review and quality discipline
    • Continuous learning and upskilling

8. Stakeholder & Delivery Management

  • Translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions
  • Manage:  
    • Backlog prioritization
    • Sprint execution
    • Delivery commitments
  • Ensure adherence to:
    • SDLC controls
    • Audit and compliance requirements

9. Strategic Leadership & Technology Direction (NEW)

  • Define and drive technology strategy for mainframe modernization and hybrid architecture (Mainframe + ZConnect + ZDIH + DevOps)
  • Align engineering roadmap with business priorities, cost optimization, and risk reduction goals
  • Identify and execute opportunities to:
    • Reduce technical debt
    • Simplify legacy processes
    • Improve platform scalability and resiliency
  • Lead transformation initiatives from:
    • Batch/report-driven systems → API-driven and data-integrated platforms
  • Influence cross-team and enterprise decisions on standards, tooling, and architecture

10. Metrics-Driven Engineering & Execution Discipline (NEW)

  • Establish and enforce a metrics-driven operating model across engineering and delivery
  • Define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including:
    • Sprint predictability (≥90% commitment adherence)
    • Deployment frequency and lead time
    • Defect density and production leakage
    • Test automation coverage
    • Pipeline success/failure rates
  • Drive data-based decision making for:
    • Capacity planning
    • Prioritization and backlog management