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Mainframes Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Tandem Developer

Rolling Meadows, IL ยท On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Tandem Developer Job Location: Rolling Meadows,IL Job Type: Contract Technical Skills: * Strong ... CICS,JCL,Mainframe Enterprise Cobol,Mainframe DB2,Z/OS,CICS Admin,Mainframe - COBOL/JCL/CICS ...

This is a key position within the IBM Mainframe Engineering team in Business Operations Services. * Responsibilities include software installation system tuning monitoring of system performance ...

We are looking for experienced Software Engineers to produce and implement functional software solutions for delivery to our customers. This will involve development on existing mainframe-based ...

The scope of the opening is to work on L2L3 tickets (with code changes) and also to work on minor enhancements and change requests. 1. Primary knowledge in Mainframe Cobol. 2. Secondary knowledge in ...

We are looking for experienced Software Engineers to produce and implement functional software solutions for delivery to our customers. This will involve development on existing mainframe-based ...

Cobol Developer

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$49.75 - $67.50/hr

An experienced developer with mainframe/COBOL experience to work in business application development. Environment and tools are IBM Mainframe platform, z/OS operating system, TSO/ISPF and DB2.

Mainframe Programmer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Mainframe COBOL, DB2, and JCL with 5 years of experience. * Experience in coding, unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing. * Understanding of JCL, job streams, and CA-7. * ...

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Mainframes Developer information

Are mainframe engineers in demand?

Mainframes developers are in steady demand due to the continued use of mainframe systems in industries like finance, government, and healthcare. They require specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand often depends on the organization's reliance on legacy systems. While some companies are transitioning to newer technologies, mainframe expertise remains valuable for maintaining critical infrastructure.

What is mainframe developer salary?

The salary for a mainframe developer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled developers with expertise in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments tend to earn higher salaries, especially in industries like finance and government. Salaries may also vary based on the complexity of projects and the employer's size.

Is mainframe developer a good career?

Mainframe developers work with large-scale computer systems used by many organizations for critical applications. The role offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities to work with legacy technologies like COBOL and JCL. As demand persists in industries such as finance and government, it can be a solid career choice for those with relevant skills and certifications.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframes are large-scale computing systems used for critical enterprise applications, and while AI can automate certain tasks and improve efficiency, it does not replace the core functions of mainframes. Mainframe developers focus on maintaining and optimizing these systems, often integrating AI tools to enhance performance but not replacing the hardware or fundamental role of mainframes in data processing. Skills in legacy systems, programming languages like COBOL, and system security remain essential for mainframe professionals.

What is the difference between Mainframes Developer vs Mainframes Analyst?

AspectMainframes DeveloperMainframes Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in Computer Science or related field; certifications like IBM Certified SpecialistSimilar credentials; often holds certifications in mainframe systems and analysis
Work EnvironmentDevelops, codes, and tests mainframe applications in a software development settingAnalyzes existing mainframe systems, gathers requirements, and supports system improvements
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by banks, insurance companies, and large enterprises for application developmentEmployed in similar industries for system analysis, troubleshooting, and process optimization

While both roles require knowledge of mainframe systems and similar credentials, Mainframes Developers focus on creating and maintaining mainframe applications, whereas Mainframes Analysts analyze existing systems to improve performance and efficiency. Both roles are vital in large enterprise IT environments.

What job categories do people searching Mainframes Developer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframes Developer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Mainframes Developer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Mainframes Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Mainframes Developer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution.

Lead Mainframe Platform Engineer - CICS, MQ & zCEE

Huntington

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$93K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description

This position is an onsite position and available to be filled at any Huntington Corporate office location (see location options on posting)

The z/OS Platform CICS, MQ & zCEE Lead candidate must have extensive experience in performance management architecture, implementation, and management for a mission critical large mainframe systems environment. Required areas of experience include z/OS engineering, WLM (Workload Manager), CF, SMF Processing, DASD, Hardware configuration, Channels, IPL processes, CICS, zCEE, MQ, Parallel Sysplex, CICSPLEX, z/OS Networking, z/OS Performance Tuning, and Capacity Planning tools. Expertise in ICF/zIIP capacity and tuning, WLM configuration and troubleshooting, and z/OS engineering. In addition, candidate must have a proven history of platform road map development, project management skills, and executive level communication in these areas. Previous experience performing a z/OS CICS, MQ & zCEE lead role required. The candidate must be able to prioritize and complete work on time in an ever-changing and complex environment. Mentoring required with the wider team, mentoring skills and experience are necessary. The ability to read CICS dumps & traces considered a plus.

Detailed Description:

This candidate will be fulfilling an experienced systems mainframe engineer position.

  • Responsible for the overall health, security, resiliency, and performance of System z CICS for z/OS, MQ for z/OS, and z/OS zCEE across multiple Sysplexes and CECS
  • Responsible for the z/OS networking for CICS, MQ and zCEE connectivity requirements (TCPIP, LU6.2, Sockets, EXCI, ETC.)
  • Manage overall platform documentation, reports including all KPIs, charts, end-to-end workflow diagrams of all system z software zCEE, CICSand MQ.
  • Develop and present z/OS zCEE, CICSand MQ, HA (SYSPLEX/CICSPLEX roadmaps
  • Lead problem troubleshooting efforts and root cause analyses of all P1 & P2 System z zCEE, CICSand MQ related incidents.
  • Develop, document, and deliver pre- and post-implementation analysis ofSystem z tech refreshes and application releases.
  • Eliminate reoccurring issues and drive down mean time to recovery.
  • Provide technical direction and education to programmers, analysts, and technical support associates.
  • Prototypes the new features, functions, and strategies of new application subsystems technology.
  • Candidate must be motivated and assertive while possessing the ability to oversee and prioritize multiple tasks in a team environment.
  • Coordinates with programming application users to determine symptoms and ensure accurate problem resolution.
  • Provides 24x7 on call support within a team rotation.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or 4+ additional years of equivalent experience.
  • 7+ years of professional experience in z/OS / CICS, MQ or zCEE engineering.
  • 3+ years in a lead role, or Project Management (roadmapping), or developing KPIs for delivery.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Expert knowledge of systems z including DB2 for z/OS, CICS for z/OS, zCEE for z/OS, & MQ for z/OS along with mainframe related tools such as BMC Mainview, IBM -CICS Interdependency Analyzer, IBM -CICS Performance analyzer, SMPE, ISPF, SMS, SMF, GDPS.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively interface and partner with all levels of the organization.
  • Maintain "State of the Art' knowledge of best practices in systems capacity, Security, administration, performance, high availability, metrics, and business continuity specifically for all systems z including DB2 for z/OS, CICS for z/OS or MQ for z/OS.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of CICS Security (Keyring Certificates, TLS, Resource access & RACF)
  • Proficient in SRE concepts and automation
  • Proven experience in creating the roadmap, processes, best practices, standards, and strategies for continuous improvement of monitoring, performance, resiliency, availability, and scalability of zCEE, CICSand MQ on system z.
  • Experience as a technical lead, driving technical direction, owning the portfolio of technology, and growing the larger team.
  • REXX experience


Exempt Status: (Yes= not eligible for overtime pay) (No= eligible for overtime pay)

Yes

Workplace Type:

Office

Our Approach to Office Workplace Type

Certain positions outside our branch network may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement. We're combining the best of both worlds: in-office and work from home. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. Remote roles will also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for moments that matter. Specific work arrangements will be provided by the hiring team.

Compensation Range:

$93,000 - $189,000 Annual Salary

The compensation range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base compensation range for this position. Actual compensation will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and education. Colleagues in this position are also eligible to participate in an applicable incentive compensation plan. In addition, Huntington provides a variety of benefits to colleagues, including health insurance coverage, wellness program, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plan, paid leave programs, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

Huntington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Tobacco-Free Hiring Practice: Visit Huntington's Career Web Site for more details.

Note to Agency Recruiters: Huntington will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. All unsolicited resumes sent to any Huntington colleagues, directly or indirectly, will be considered Huntington property. Recruiting agencies must have a valid, written and fully executed Master Service Agreement and Statement of Work for consideration.