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Remote Mainframe Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System One

Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL)

Reston, VA · Remote

$83/hr

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 ...

MDAEdge

Mainframe Developer

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

MDAEdge is seeking a Mainframe Developer to develop, enhance, and support mission-critical applications on IBM z/OS. The role involves batch and online transaction processing, database work, testing ...

MM International

Adabas mainframe

Atlanta, GA · Remote

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Adabas mainframe Looking for a ADABAS DBA/ Developer/ ADABAS production support/ Mainframe Developer/ Mainframe Programmer background Location: 100% REMOTE | WEEKEND WORK Responsibilities include:

System One

Senior Mainframe Engineer

Merrifield, VA · Remote

Senior Mainframe Engineer Location: remote Pay rate: open to W2 and established 1099s Position type: multiyear contract We are currently seeking a Senior Mainframe Programmer/Support Analyst with a ...

NTT DATA Services

Mainframe Developer

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

$96K - $145K/yr

We are currently seeking a Mainframe Developer to join our team in Dallas, Texas (US-TX), United ... While many positions offer remote or hybrid work options, these arrangements are subject to change ...

New

TEKsystems

Mainframe Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$10 - $70/hr

The engineer will play a critical role in proofing the mainframe platform, ensuring technical ... remote position. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026. About ...

ICONMA

Mainframe Systems Engineer

$56.25 - $71.75/hr

ICONMA is seeking a Mainframe Systems Engineer to join their Mainframe Engineering team in Enterprise Operations & Technology. The role involves providing a stable and secure platform for application ...

TriOptus LLC

Mainframe Networking Engineer - Remote

Tampa, FL · On-site +1

$46.25 - $59.50/hr

Job Code - Mainframe Networking Engineer Work Location - Remote Total Hours - Contract initially up until 11/20/2024 Description * This position is for Mainframe Networking (VTAM, TCPIP etc.) - the ...

Conexess Group

Mainframe CICS Engineer - 100% Remote

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Conexess Group is seeking a detail-oriented CICS Mainframe Engineer to oversee the installation, maintenance, and support of IBM mainframe systems. This role focuses on ensuring efficient operation ...

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How much do remote mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote mainframe developer in the United States is $53.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $60.58 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 cities are hiring for Remote Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities with the most Remote Mainframe Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Developer jobs? The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Remote Mainframe Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Mainframe Developer jobs are:
Remote Mainframe Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Mainframe Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, and 64% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.
Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL)

Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL)

System One

Reston, VA • Remote

$83/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 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 We’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. You’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 You’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
  • 5–8 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 1–3 years ago) are encouraged to apply if they’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
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field
  • OR equivalent experience (additional 4 years of relevant work)

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé 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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