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Mainframes Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Broadcom

Mainframe Software Development Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$91K - $146K/yr

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 ...

Artech

Mainframe Programmer

Chicago, IL · 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. * ...

Purple Drive

Mainframe developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

IBM Mainrame experience JCL DB2 Strong SQL Skills Experience in developing Stored procedures Strong Assembler programming / debugging skills COBOL programming language PL/1 Programming LAnguage CICS ...

Ensono

Director, Mainframe Systems Programming

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Experienced in one or more mainframe infrastructure, hardware, system programming technologies. Alternative experiences must include high learning agility to acquire mainframe technology knowledge ...

Ensono

Mainframe Security Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

Employee The primary role of the Mainframe System Security Engineer is to create, modify and maintain security access on internal and external userids and security rules access for mainframe systems.

Amaze Systems Inc.

Senior Developer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$54.50 - $72/hr

Technical Skills (APPS)-Mainframe-Language-Mainframe - COBOL Job : Technical Lead Other Requirement ... Developer Mandatory Skills Mainframe Cobol (Primary) JCL CICS VSAM Unix Shell scripting is ...

Capgemini

Senior Mainframe Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

... engineering impact analysis for modernization initiatives Work with business stakeholders to ... to mainframe modernization re platform re engineering programs Ability to perform impact analysis ...

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Mainframes Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$49.4K

$115.2K

$171K

How much do mainframes developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for mainframes developer in Chicago, IL is $115,217.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $133,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Mainframes Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Mainframes Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframes Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframes Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Mainframes Developer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Mainframes Developer job openings:
Mainframes Developer jobs near you

IBM Mainframe Systems Engineer

PB Consulting

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced IBM Mainframe Systems Engineer to support the engineering, modernization, and optimization of enterprise IBM Z environments. This role requires deep technical expertise across the mainframe technology stack, including system architecture, platform upgrades, performance tuning, security, and modernization initiatives. The ideal candidate will play a key role in ensuring platform stability, compatibility, scalability, and operational excellence within mission-critical environments.

Role and Responsibilities

Lead z/OS platform upgrade and modernization initiatives, including planning, testing, implementation, and stabilization activities.
Provide engineering support across core IBM Z technologies, including z/OS, z/VM, DB2 for z/OS, CICS TS, IMS, and IBM MQ.
Perform technical assessments, dependency analysis, and compatibility validation for system upgrades and infrastructure changes.
Analyze and optimize system performance using SMF, RMF, and other monitoring tools to support tuning and capacity planning efforts.
Design, configure, and maintain IBM MQ Queue Manager environments, including TLS enablement and secure communications.
Support mainframe storage, recovery, virtualization, and networking environments, including SNA, VTAM, and TCP/IP technologies.
Administer and maintain mainframe security controls utilizing RACF and ACF2, ensuring compliance and access governance requirements are met.
Develop and maintain automation processes using JCL, REXX, CLIST, TSO/ISPF, and related utilities.
Collaborate with infrastructure, application, security, and operations teams to support modernization and system reliability initiatives.
Troubleshoot complex platform issues and provide root-cause analysis for performance, availability, and integration challenges.

Required Qualifications

8+ years of experience supporting IBM Mainframe systems engineering and platform administration.
Strong expertise in IBM Z technologies, including z/OS, z/VM, DB2 for z/OS, CICS TS, and IMS.
8+ years of experience with IBM MQ for z/OS, including Queue Manager architecture, administration, and TLS configuration.
8+ years of experience with mainframe security administration and engineering using RACF and ACF2.
Experience performing system upgrades, migrations, performance tuning, and modernization initiatives within enterprise environments.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with performance monitoring and capacity planning using SMF and RMF.
Proficiency with JCL, REXX, CLIST, TSO/ISPF, and automation scripting.
Experience with enterprise scheduling tools such as CA-7 and Control-M.
Knowledge of mainframe networking technologies including SNA, VTAM, and TCP/IP.
Familiarity with highly regulated, large-scale enterprise environments.

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