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Remote Mainframe Developer Jobs in Norfolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Hampton, VA · Remote

$80K - $120K/yr

None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is looking for a Software Developer Configuration Manager/ Full Stack Developer to join our team of the Air Operations Center Weapons ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · 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 ...

Remote Mainframe Developer information

See Norfolk, VA salary details

$9

$51

$70

How much do remote mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote mainframe developer in Norfolk, VA is $51.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.58 and $58.61 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.
What are popular job titles related to Remote Mainframe Developer jobs in Norfolk, VA? For Remote Mainframe Developer jobs in Norfolk, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Mainframe Developer jobs in Norfolk, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Mainframe Developer jobs in Norfolk, VA are:
What cities near Norfolk, VA are hiring for Remote Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities near Norfolk, VA with the most Remote Mainframe Developer job openings:
Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer

SAIC

Hampton, VA • Remote

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 230 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2612790

Location: Hampton, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-05-20

Category: Software

Subcategory: SW Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is looking for a Software Developer Configuration Manager/ Full Stack Developer to join our team of the Air Operations Center Weapons System (AOC WS) Falconer Program. The ideal candidate serves as a member of the Engineering and Sustainment software development team. Provides technical and design aspects and aids in the innovation and creation of government software and programs. The developer shall provide a proactive approach to problem-solving as well as a detailed understanding of software dev configuration management.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Work alongside a team of programmers and system engineers and shall seek to facilitate the proper design and implementation of software:
  • Creating and maintaining GitLab Pipelines.
  • Managing source code using git and git tools.
  • Managing weekly deployments to Production environment.
  • Diagnosing and troubleshooting operational problems.
  • Must be able to work independently and represent the program and SAIC at meetings and working groups with government and associate contractors.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience:

  • Must have an active Secret clearance.
  • Bachelors and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience.
  • Experience managing multiple environments including Production, Staging, User Acceptance, and Integration.
  • Experience using NPM to configure Javascript-based applications and manage dependencies.
  • Experience using Gradle/Maven to configure Java-based REST services and manage dependencies.
  • Managing containerized environments with Docker and/or Kubernetes.
  • Unix/Shell scripting.
  • Visual Studio Code/JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA or similar IDEs.
  • Building REST services.
  • Object-Relational Mapping tools (Hibernate preferred).
  • Frontend Javascript frameworks (Angular preferred).
  • HTML/CSS.
  • Backend testing frameworks such as JUnit and Mockito; frontend testing frameworks such as Jasmine and Karma.
  • Database schema design and implementation (MySQL preferred).

Desired experience with the following tools/technology:

  • Nexus Repository Manager.
  • Static security code analysis using Sonarqube/Fortify/Sbom.
  • Managing Kubernetes deployments through Argo CD.
  • AWS S3.
  • Spring Boot.
  • Integration testing using Cypress.
  • OAuth.
  • Frontend Dependency management with NPM.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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