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Mainframes Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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.

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 ...

zOS Technical Developer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$45 - $52/hr

Role - zOS Technical Developer Location -Lisle, Illinois (Onsite, no remote) JD: * 5-8+ years of experience in mainframe development. * Strong proficiency in COBOL, JCL, CICS, VSAM, DB2, IMS, REXX.

Required : • At least 8+ years of experience testing modern large-scale software and complex test configurations • Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe ...

Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe environment; * Experience debugging with tools like XDC, IPCS; * Experience in software development using IBM Assembler/Metal ...

Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe environment; * Experience debugging with tools like XDC, IPCS; * Experience in software development using IBM Assembler/Metal ...

Bank is seeking a z/OS Systems Programmer that has extensive experience in mainframe technologies with an emphasis on installation/upgrading, tuning, and troubleshooting of z/OS and third-party ...

Hadoop Developer Location: Riverwoods, IL Duration: Fulltime BGV will be done for the selected ... systems/mainframe and vice-versa. 3+ years' experience in Importing and exporting the data using ...

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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 Jun 14, 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.

What does a mainframe developer do?

A mainframe developer designs, codes, tests, and maintains applications running on mainframe computers, often using languages like COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler. They work in environments that require high reliability and security, and may also handle system updates, performance tuning, and integration with other systems.

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. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe environments may earn higher compensation. Many positions also offer benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

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 often work with legacy systems, COBOL programming, and security protocols, which require specialized skills that are not fully replaced by AI technologies.

Is mainframe still in demand?

Mainframes remain in demand for large enterprises such as banks, insurance companies, and government agencies that rely on their reliability, security, and processing power. Mainframe developers with skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments are sought after to maintain and upgrade legacy systems, though the overall demand has decreased as organizations adopt cloud and distributed computing. Certification and experience with mainframe tools can enhance job prospects in this specialized field.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Mainframes Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, and 66% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $115,217 per year, or $55.4 per hour.
Mainframe Security Engineer

Mainframe Security Engineer

Ensono

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Worker Type:

EmployeeThe 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. All three security products, ACF2, Top Secret and RACF are utilized for supporting mainframe system access. In addition, they will review security policies, procedures, standards, baselines and may recommend and coordinate security remediation plans involving the implementation of security solutions, both technology and procedures; while maintaining an understanding of security standards, policies and procedures.

Requirements:

Basic Knowledge of Security and good security best practices

  • Hands-on administration of RACF, ACF2 and Top Secret login ID's, dataset and resource rules.
  • Monitor system security policy and violations/incidents
  • Perform and review daily, weekly, and monthly audit reports
  • Liaison with business areas and other technical support areas
  • Provide customer support by preparing ad hoc reports and giving presentations
  • Monitors the environment for adherence to security standards
  • Must be available 24 x7
  • Experience using IBM zSecure security products
  • Experience with REXX or any programming language is a plus
  • iSeries security knowledge a plus

Technical Skills:

  • Excellent TSO, JCL, IBM UTILITIES, JES2, and ISPF a must
  • Experience with CICS preferred
  • Experience using Vanguard security products is desired

General Knowledge:

  • Some MVS experience is a plus
  • PC Skills (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)


Personal Skills:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent project deliverables and the ability to work as a global team.
  • Ability to work on own initiatives.
  • Strong analytical skills and problem solving skills
  • Must be an excellent team player with the ability to work independently in a fast paced environment
  • Self starter, detailed oriented and ability to multi task
  • Excellent Communication skills required
  • Good written skills are required


Education:

  • CISSP, CISA, CISM or ITIL Certification a plus
  • Bachelors or Masters Degree Preferred
  • Other mainframe security products a plus

Primary Location City/State:

Downers Grove, IL - Finley, Illinois

Additional Locations (if applicable):

Homebased - Downers Grove, IL - Finley

Ensono is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Ensono provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.


Ensono logo

About Ensono

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ensono, our **Purpose is to be a relentless ally, disrupting the status quo and unleashing our clients to** **_Do Great Things!_** We enable our clients to achieve key business outcomes that reshape how our world runs. As an expert technology adviser and managed service provider with cross-platform certifications, Ensono empowers our clients to keep up with continuous change and embrace innovation.

Industry

It services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Downers Grove, IL, US

Year founded

1969

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