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Senior Mainframe Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for ...

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for ...

Mainframe Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for ...

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for ...

Mainframe Specialist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for ...

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for ...

Mainframe Specialist

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Mainframe Developer information

See California salary details

$37

$56

$65

How much do senior mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior mainframe developer in California is $56.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.37 and $62.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Mainframe Developer, you need deep expertise in mainframe programming languages (like COBOL, JCL, and PL/I), systems analysis, and a strong understanding of legacy application architectures, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with tools such as IBM z/OS, DB2, CICS, and version control systems is essential, along with relevant certifications like IBM Certified System Programmer. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate effectively and mentor junior developers. These skills are crucial for maintaining mission-critical systems, ensuring reliability, and guiding modernization efforts in complex enterprise environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Mainframe Developers when integrating legacy systems with modern technologies?

Senior Mainframe Developers often encounter challenges when integrating legacy mainframe systems with newer technologies such as cloud platforms, APIs, or microservices. These challenges include ensuring data consistency, maintaining system security, and minimizing downtime during migrations. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as infrastructure engineers and application developers, is key to developing seamless integration solutions. Staying up-to-date with modernization tools and best practices can help address these complexities and support the organization's digital transformation goals.

What are Senior Mainframe Developers?

Senior Mainframe Developers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain mainframe systems—large-scale computers used by organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing, and enterprise resource planning. They are proficient in languages like COBOL, JCL, and Assembler, and often work with databases and transaction processing systems. Their responsibilities include troubleshooting system issues, optimizing performance, mentoring junior developers, and ensuring the reliability and security of mainframe operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Developer jobs in California? The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Mainframe Developer jobs in California? For Senior Mainframe Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Mainframe Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Mainframe Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Mainframe Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Mainframe Developer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,346 per year, or $56.9 per hour.
Senior Mainframe Application Developer (Annuities)

Senior Mainframe Application Developer (Annuities)

Pacific Life Insurance Company

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Pacific Life rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 298 rated insurance


Job description

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead - our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It's a big ask, but it's one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate - pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it's a career with purpose. It's a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future - including your own.
We're actively seeking a talented Senior Mainframe Application Developer (Annuities) to join our in Omaha, NE or Newport Beach, CA, or Charlotte ,NC.

As a Sr Mainframe Application Developer you'll move Pacific Life, and your career, forward by joining a dynamic group of Analysts, Developers and Product Owners while collaborating with other Technology teams. Your colleagues will include fellow technology professionals, and your role will include being responsible for ensuring software quality through manual and automated testing.

How you'll help move us forward:

  • Design, develop, modify, debug and evaluate software enhancements or new programs for applications such as Vantage-One, wmA and DSS

  • Review system requirements and business processes and develops program logic for new applications or analyzes and modifies logic in existing applications.

  • Analyze requirements and formulate program logic for new applications or analyzes and modifies logic in existing applications.

  • Code, test, debug, document, implement, and maintain software applications using current programming language and technologies.

  • Write code, complete programming, integrate application components, and perform testing and debugging of applications.

  • Develop conversion and system implementation plans to ensure that system improvements are successfully deployed.

  • Prepare and obtain approval of system and programming documentation and procedures for installation and maintenance.

  • Recommend changes in development, maintenance and system standards. Trains users in conversion and implementation of system.

The experience you bring:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

  • 8+ years of experience Mainframe programming languages such COBOL

  • Demonstrated hands-on expertise in system modernization and automation

  • Strong understanding of Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)


What makes you stand out:

  • Previous Annuities Industry experience

  • Previous experience with Vantage, DSS, and wmA mainframe applications

  • Familiar with technologies like API's, Web Services, AI, Python, and Mulesoft

You can be who you are.

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential. What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife

#LI-EH2

Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

$118,800.00 - $145,200.00

Your Benefits Start Day 1

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we're committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we've got you covered.

  • Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

  • Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

  • Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

  • Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

You Can Be Who You Are

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.


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About Pacific Life

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

When you purchase life insurance and retirement solutions, you're buying a promise. A promise that today, tomorrow or ten years from now, we'll be there. For more than 150 years, our clients have trusted Pacific Life to protect what matters most to them - their families, their businesses, their futures.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newport Beach, CA, US

Year founded

1868

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