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Senior Mainframe Developer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · Hybrid

$43.50 - $55.75/hr

Works with other Software Developers, Senior Software Developers and Leadership team to create ... Creates or enhances applications using a mainframe technology stack * Collaborates with other ...

Mainframe Specialist

Des Moines, IA · 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 ...

Senior Mainframe Developer information

See Iowa salary details

$36

$54

$62

How much do senior mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior mainframe developer in Iowa is $54.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.82 and $59.13 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 is a senior mainframe developer?

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 Iowa? The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Mainframe Developer jobs in Iowa? For Senior Mainframe Developer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Mainframe Developer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Mainframe Developer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Mainframe Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Mainframe Developer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,633 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

Bitco Corporation

Davenport, IA • Hybrid

$43.50 - $55.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

BITCO Corporation is currently seeking a Mainframe Developer to join our Home Office team in Davenport, IA. BITCO provides quality insurance services to special industries including construction, forest products, and oil & gas. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Position Summary:

Working as part of the Applications Development team within our Information Technology department, this position is responsible for supporting mainframe technology including the coding, design, modification, and testing of computer programs. This position establishes skills and depth of knowledge across one to several of our supported technical disciplines and business solutions.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Works with other Software Developers, Senior Software Developers and Leadership team to create specifications, design and develop solutions to meet the needs of our customers
  • Creates or enhances applications using a mainframe technology stack
  • Collaborates with other Software Developers and Senior Software Developers to enhance skillset
  • Consults with internal customers to define application requirements, specifications, and to design information processing procedures ensuring that delivered enhancements meet business needs
  • Ensures our applications stay up and performant, and troubleshoots issues when they surface by analyzing program logic to determine solutions
  • Writes, tests and debugs programs
  • Thoroughly tests changes to ensure they are error free before pushing changes to a higher environment
  • Troubleshoots production issues, and performs system repairs as needed to maintain a properly functioning mainframe
  • Prepares and reviews test data
  • Documents program information and procedures, as directed, or as needed
  • Other programming duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Working knowledge and experience with the following:
    • IBM Mainframe experience in JCL, TSO, COBOL, PL/I, and Easytrieve
    • Systems analysis, design, and programming
    • Maintaining and writing code using current Microsoft products or languages specific to your discipline
    • SQL Databases including but not limited to writing queries and stored procedures
    • Requirements gathering, analyzing and determining feasibility, working with others to design and recommend solutions
  • Ability to identify issues and determine appropriate resolutions
  • Basic understanding of project management lifecycles
  • Ability to learn new skills languages as they are released
  • Proven ability to exercise independent judgement and decision making
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively with internal customers
  • Must be able to provide rotating on-call support of production systems
  • Candidates with a programming background who are eager and willing to learn mainframe technology may also be considered