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Remote Mainframe Developer Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Benelynk

Sr. Software Engineer

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$150K - $175K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking a Sr. Software Engineer and or Jr. ... WORK ENVIRONMENT Role is a remote position. POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK Full-time, exempt ...

All JobsMainframe Developer JobsRemote Mainframe Developer JobsRemote Mainframe Developer Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Remote Mainframe Developer information

See Cedar Rapids, IA salary details

$9

$52

$70

How much do remote mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote mainframe developer in Cedar Rapids, IA is $52.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.11 and $59.28 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 popular job titles related to Remote Mainframe Developer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA? For Remote Mainframe Developer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Cedar Rapids, IA are hiring for Remote Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities near Cedar Rapids, IA with the most Remote Mainframe Developer job openings:
Remote Mainframe Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Mainframe Developer job openings in Cedar Rapids, IA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 38% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 59% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,683 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Application Developer

United Fire Group

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
United Fire Group is looking for an application developer to join our growing organization. This position will play a critical role in the review, design, development and modification of applications. This position requires a critical thinker with strong technical skills who can thrive in a fast paced environment.
Job Functions:
• Develop new applications and update and maintain current applications.
• Consult with project managers, team members and users to identify current operating procedures and clarify project objectives.
• Design and write new or modify existing applications based on specifications developed by project manager or senior level programmer/analyst.
• Conduct testing by developing test data by following test plans to ensure programs meet standards and specification.
• Assist with project/system releases.
• Research errors to determine root cause and take appropriate steps to correct errors.
• Document program changes in source code.
• Properly document development progress with project tracking system.
• Other duties as assigned.
Skills & Requirements
Qualifications:
• Minimum of two years college in technical field and three years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Current participation in insurance, computer science or general business education
• Prior experience in application or web site development or other automation projects
• Experience working with the .NET Framework, C#, VB.NET, Microsoft Visual Studio, Windows Forms, WCF or .NET Web Services, ASP.NET, ASP, VBScript, HTML/DHTML, JavaScript, XML or similar development languages and technologies.
• Three or more years of insurance preferred, but not necessary
Employees are expected to actively participate in insurance classes, programming coursework or in-house training programs throughout their careers.
• Strong application and web programming skills.
• Excellent understanding of Object Oriented Programming
• Strong interpersonal skills; the ability to work well with people from many disciplines and with varying degrees of business and technical experience
• Ability to be self-directed and to take initiative in defining and completing project deliverables
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to describe complex, highly-technical issues using simple, clear and precise language
• Excellent analytical skills; strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Adaptability and flexibility including ability to manage multiple priorities and work under deadlines
Equal Opportunity Employer:
United Fire Group has a policy to provide equal opportunity for all. We continue to take positive action to recruit, hire, train, transfer and promote persons in all job categories based on the individual's ability to perform the job and without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or genetics.

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