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Remote Cobol Developer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Primarily Remote Onsite Expectations: Monthly travel to Reston, VA for PI Planning Compensation: $83/HR Employment Type: W2 only About the Role We're looking for a Senior Mainframe COBOL Developer to ...

z/OS Mainframe Developer (Remote)

Alexandria, VA ยท Remote

$52.50 - $67.50/hr

This is going to be a 100% remote position. * SELECTED CANDIDATES WITHOUT REQUIRED CLEARANCE WILL ... COBOL programming on IBM z/OS. * Proficiency in JCL, VSAM, DB2, IMS, CICS and RACF. * Strong ...

z/OS Mainframe Developer (Remote)

Alexandria, VA ยท Remote

$52.50 - $67.50/hr

This is going to be a 100% remote position. * SELECTED CANDIDATES WITHOUT REQUIRED CLEARANCE WILL ... COBOL programming on IBM z/OS. * Proficiency in JCL, VSAM, DB2, IMS, CICS and RACF. * Strong ...

z/OS Mainframe Developer (Remote)

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site +1

$52.50 - $67.50/hr

This is going to be a 100% remote position. * SELECTED CANDIDATES WITHOUT REQUIRED CLEARANCE WILL ... COBOL programming on IBM z/OS. * Proficiency in JCL, VSAM, DB2, IMS, CICS and RACF. * Strong ...

Senior Mainframe Engineer Location: remote Pay rate: open to W2 and established 1099s Position type ... built on COBOL mainframe technologies. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and ...

Remote Pay Rate: Open to Both C2C and W2 options Position Type: Multiyear Contract Description ... COBOL, DB2 and IBM mainframe utilities (Syncsort, DFSort, ICETOOL) on z/OS. Client leverages ...

Remote Pay Rate: Open to Both C2C and W2 options Position Type: Multiyear Contract Description ... COBOL, DB2 and IBM mainframe utilities (Syncsort, DFSort, ICETOOL) on z/OS. Client leverages ...

Remote Pay Rate: Open to Both C2C and W2 options Position Type: Multiyear Contract Description ... COBOL, DB2 and IBM mainframe utilities (Syncsort, DFSort, ICETOOL) on z/OS. Client leverages ...

Remote Pay Rate: Open to Both C2C and W2 options Position Type: Multiyear Contract Description ... COBOL, DB2 and IBM mainframe utilities (Syncsort, DFSort, ICETOOL) on z/OS. Client leverages ...

Software Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site +1

Contribute to improving developer experience (DevX) through tooling, automation, and workflow ... Flexible to work remote with the ability to commute to the corporate office as needed Must have ...

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Remote Cobol Developer information

See Washington salary details

$12

$62

$82

How much do remote cobol developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote cobol developer in Washington is $62.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.71 and $74.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Remote Cobol Developer?

A Remote Cobol Developer is a software programmer who specializes in COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) and works from a location outside of a traditional office setting, often from home. COBOL is a legacy programming language commonly used in business, finance, and administrative systems for companies and governments. Remote Cobol Developers maintain, update, and troubleshoot COBOL-based applications, frequently collaborating with teams online. Their work often involves supporting or modernizing critical systems that have been in operation for decades. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with mainframe environments.

What are some common challenges faced by remote COBOL developers when working with legacy systems?

Remote COBOL developers often encounter challenges such as limited or outdated documentation, complex legacy codebases, and integration with newer technologies. Effective communication with on-site teams is essential to clarify requirements and resolve issues, especially when institutional knowledge is not well-documented. Additionally, accessing mainframe environments securely from remote locations may require specialized tools and coordination with IT departments. Overcoming these challenges usually involves proactive collaboration, utilizing version control systems, and staying current with both COBOL and relevant modernization tools.

What is the difference between Remote Cobol Developer vs Remote Mainframe Developer?

AspectRemote Cobol DeveloperRemote Mainframe Developer
Required CredentialsTypically requires COBOL certification, programming experienceRequires mainframe-specific certifications, COBOL knowledge
Work EnvironmentPrimarily remote, working with legacy systemsRemote or on-site, often in large enterprise data centers
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial, insurance, government sectorsBanking, insurance, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for legacy system maintenance rolesCompared for mainframe system development roles

Remote Cobol Developers and Remote Mainframe Developers both work with legacy systems and require COBOL skills. However, Cobol Developers focus specifically on COBOL programming, while Mainframe Developers handle broader mainframe environments, including other languages and tools. Both roles are prevalent in financial and government sectors, with similar remote work options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Cobol Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Cobol Developer, you need a solid understanding of COBOL programming, mainframe systems, and experience with legacy application maintenance, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, JCL, DB2, and version control systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, self-management, and effective communication skills help you stand out in a remote environment. These competencies ensure reliable modernization and maintenance of critical business applications while facilitating collaboration across distributed teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cobol Developer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Cobol Developer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Cobol Developer jobs in Washington? For Remote Cobol Developer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Cobol Developer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Cobol Developer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Remote Cobol Developer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Remote Cobol Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Cobol Developer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 6% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 30% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 48% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 49% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,787 per year, or $62.9 per hour.
Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL)

Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL)

System One

Reston, VA โ€ข Remote

$83/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL) Location: Primarily Remote Onsite Expectations: Monthly travel to Reston, VA for PI Planning Compensation: $83/HR Employment Type: W2 only

About the Role Weโ€™re looking for a Senior Mainframe COBOL Developer to support and enhance large-scale enterprise systems. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a mainframe environment, enjoys solving complex problems, and is open to evolving technologies. Youโ€™ll play a key role in maintaining critical applications, supporting high-volume systems, and contributing to modernization efforts where applicable.
Work Model
  • Primarily remote
  • Must live in the DMV area or nearby states (WV, DE, PA) OR be willing to relocate
  • Ability to travel to Reston, VA approximately once per month for PI Planning
What Youโ€™ll Do
  • Design, develop, test, and maintain mainframe applications using COBOL
  • Work across core mainframe tools including CICS, JCL, TSO/ISPF, and related utilities
  • Analyze business and technical requirements to develop scalable solutions
  • Support production systems, troubleshoot issues, and resolve critical defects
  • Perform code reviews, testing, and ensure adherence to quality standards
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, high-performing systems
  • Participate in Agile ceremonies and PI Planning sessions
  • Identify opportunities to improve performance, stability, and maintainability
  • Mentor junior developers and contribute to team best practices
What You Bring Required Experience
  • 5โ€“8 years of mainframe development experience
  • Strong expertise in:
    • COBOL
    • CICS
    • JCL
    • TSO/ISPF
    • Mainframe change management tools (e.g., ChangeMan, Topaz)
  • Experience supporting large-scale enterprise systems
  • Ability to analyze, debug, and work with existing legacy codebases
  • Experience in Agile/Scrum environments
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team
? Candidates with prior mainframe experience (even if from 1โ€“3 years ago) are encouraged to apply if theyโ€™re confident returning to hands-on COBOL work
Nice to Have
  • Exposure to Java or modern integration technologies
  • Experience with web services (REST/SOA)
  • Familiarity with AWS or cloud concepts
  • Experience with DevOps / CI-CD pipelines
  • Healthcare domain experience (especially working with enrollment or benefits data)
  • Experience with Git / Bitbucket
Education
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field
  • OR equivalent experience (additional 4 years of relevant work)

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulรฉ and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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Ref: #851-Rockville-S1