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Remote Mainframe Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

United Airlines

Mainframe Application SME

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Core Mainframe Expertise Deep knowledge of COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM (z/OS) Ability to understand ... engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data ...

NTT DATA Services

Legacy Migration Analyst

Springfield, IL · Remote

$101K - $169K/yr

This senior-level position requires a deep understanding of mainframe legacy systems, particularly ... Coordinate with cross-functional project teams, including data analysts, developers, and business ...

NTT DATA Services

Legacy Migration Analyst

Springfield, IL · Remote

$101K - $169K/yr

This senior-level position requires a deep understanding of mainframe legacy systems, particularly ... Coordinate with cross-functional project teams, including data analysts, developers, and business ...

Technical Paradigm LLC

Software Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Company Description Senior Software Developer (Fintech - fixed income securities trading operations) Remote USA Requires: Extensive developer experience with fixed income securities trading ...

Technical Paradigm LLC

Software Developer

Chicago, IL · Remote

Senior Software Developer (Fintech - fixed income securities trading operations) Remote USA Requires: Extensive developer experience with fixed income securities trading, clearance and settlement ...

Harris

(Remote) Software Engineer

Tennessee, IL · Remote

This remote role welcomes candidates anywhere in Canada and the US. Travel is required as needed ... Proven experience as a Software Engineer or similar role. * Strong proficiency in MSSQL and ...

Harris

(Remote) Software Engineer

Virginia, IL · Remote

This remote role welcomes candidates anywhere in Canada and the US. Travel is required as needed ... Proven experience as a Software Engineer or similar role. * Strong proficiency in MSSQL and ...

Harris

(Remote) Software Engineer

Virginia, IL · Remote

This remote role welcomes candidates anywhere in Canada and the US. Travel is required as needed ... Proven experience as a Software Engineer or similar role. * Strong proficiency in MSSQL and ...

Harris

(Remote) Software Engineer

Tennessee, IL · Remote

This remote role welcomes candidates anywhere in Canada and the US. Travel is required as needed ... Proven experience as a Software Engineer or similar role. * Strong proficiency in MSSQL and ...

Turnblock.io

Software Engineer Remote (Web3)

Chicago, IL · Remote

$200K - $250K/yr

Software Engineer Opportunity Our client is on crypto's cutting-edge technology, and we're looking for the right engineers to join them. This is a remote position for any US-based candidate. Our ...

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All JobsRemote Mainframe Developer JobsRemote Mainframe Developer Jobs in Illinois

Remote Mainframe Developer information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$51

$70

How much do remote mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote mainframe developer in Illinois is $51.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.67 and $58.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is IBM still making mainframes?

IBM continues to manufacture mainframes, such as the IBM Z series, which are widely used in enterprise environments for their reliability, security, and scalability. Mainframes remain a key platform for large-scale data processing and transaction workloads, and many organizations rely on mainframe developers to maintain and upgrade these systems.

What Does a Remote Mainframe Developer Do?

As a remote mainframe developer, you work from home to design, code, test, and configure software and applications used on a mainframe system. Mainframes are large computers with particularly high processing power and are often used for critical tasks like bulk data processing or enterprise resource planning. In this role, you may help ensure all new software is fully backward-compatible, monitor system performance, isolate errors, and work collaboratively with other developers as needed. Most mainframe developers work for larger companies. As a remote employee, you use virtual office software, phone, chat, or email to remain connected to other employees.

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

To thrive as a Remote Mainframe Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages like COBOL, JCL, and experience with mainframe operating systems, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools such as IBM z/OS, DB2, CICS, and version control systems is typically required, along with relevant certifications. Excellent problem-solving abilities, independent work ethic, and effective virtual communication are standout soft skills for this remote role. These skills ensure smooth maintenance, modernization, and support of critical legacy systems in distributed teams.

Is mainframe developer a good career?

A mainframe developer is a skilled IT professional who maintains and develops applications on mainframe systems, which are used by large organizations for critical data processing. The role offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities to work with legacy technologies like COBOL and JCL. However, it requires specialized skills and ongoing learning to stay current with evolving systems and tools.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe developers work with large-scale, legacy systems that require specialized knowledge of mainframe architectures, programming languages, and security protocols. While AI can automate certain tasks like code analysis and testing, it is unlikely to fully replace the need for skilled mainframe developers who maintain and optimize critical enterprise systems. AI tools may assist in development, but human expertise remains essential for complex mainframe environments.

How does a Remote Mainframe Developer typically collaborate with on-site teams and manage communication challenges?

As a Remote Mainframe Developer, you'll often work closely with on-site IT teams, business analysts, and project managers through virtual meetings, chat platforms, and shared documentation tools. Effective communication is key, so regular check-ins and proactive status updates help ensure alignment on project goals and troubleshooting efforts. Many companies use agile methodologies, which means you'll likely participate in daily stand-ups and sprint planning sessions remotely. While time zone differences can be a challenge, flexible scheduling and clear communication protocols are common strategies to keep everyone connected and productive.

What is the salary of a mainframe developer?

The salary of a mainframe developer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior developers with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe tools may earn higher salaries, especially in industries like finance and government that rely heavily on mainframe systems.

What is a Remote Mainframe Developer?

A Remote Mainframe Developer is a software professional who specializes in designing, developing, maintaining, and troubleshooting applications that run on mainframe computers, while working from a remote location. Mainframes are powerful computers often used by large organizations for critical applications, such as transaction processing and bulk data handling. Remote Mainframe Developers use programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and Assembler, and often connect to mainframe systems via secure networks. Their work ensures that legacy systems remain efficient, secure, and up-to-date. This role typically requires strong technical skills, experience with mainframe environments, and effective communication for collaborating with on-site teams.
More about Remote Mainframe Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois? For Remote Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Remote Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Remote Mainframe Developer job openings:
Remote Mainframe Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Mainframe Developer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 37% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 59% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,587 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Quality Assurance Engineer

H R PUNDITS INC

Elk Grove Village, IL • Remote

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Role: Senior Quality Engineer (SDET) with Mainframes
Location: Remote
Log Time Contractor

Required Skills:

  • 8+ years of experience in mainframe testing with hands-on expertise
  • 4+ years of experience in automation testing
  • Strong proficiency in Java development
  • Experience designing and implementing APIs and services
  • Solid understanding of software testing principles and test automation frameworks
  • Experience with Selenium or Appium for test automation
  • Hands-on experience with JUnit and test development
  • Experience with service virtualization for API stubbing
  • Knowledge of containerization tools such as Docker, OpenShift, and Kubernetes
  • Strong SQL knowledge for data validation and analysis
  • Experience with Elasticsearch and Kibana for data management
  • Hands-on experience with mainframe technologies such as COBOL, JCL, CICS, and DB2
  • Experience with test management tools such as JIRA or ALM
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Responsibilities:

  • Lead and coordinate testing activities across teams
  • Perform end-to-end testing of mainframe applications
  • Design and execute test cases, scenarios, and test strategies
  • Develop and maintain automation frameworks and test scripts
  • Develop APIs and integrate tools to enhance testing capabilities
  • Contribute to AI and ML based testing enhancements
  • Track defects, perform root cause analysis, and ensure timely resolution
  • Collaborate with developers, business teams, and stakeholders
  • Participate in code reviews and ensure code quality and best practices

This is a remote position.