Software Engineer II Mainframe / CICS

Software Engineer II Mainframe / CICS

Location: Remote
Employment Type: Contract
Client: Financial Services / Banking

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer II with a strong Mainframe application development background to support complex systems analysis, design, development, testing, debugging, and production support.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with COBOL, CICS, and JCL, along with direct experience supporting real-time online debit card authorization systems.

CRITICAL MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCE

Candidates must have both:

• Online CICS experience
• Real-time Debit Card authorization experience

Credit Card authorization experience is NOT considered equivalent to Debit Card experience.

The ideal candidate should have experience with areas such as:

• Transaction approval/decline logic
• Balance checking and funds validation
• Real-time transaction posting
• Debit card lifecycle processing: authorization hold clearing reversal
• Network-driven transaction inputs, such as Visa / STAR
• Per-transaction debugging and troubleshooting
• Real-time/online transaction processing rather than batch-only processing

Candidates whose experience is primarily batch processing, credit cards, or general COBOL development without online CICS debit-card authorization experience will not be a strong fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee complex systems analysis, design, development, testing, and debugging.
• Serve as a key individual contributor on complex technology projects.
• Maintain a strong functional understanding of supported applications and systems.
• Develop and maintain applications using COBOL, CICS, and JCL.
• Analyze complex relationships between programs, interfacing applications, and technology platforms.
• Support real-time transaction processing and debit card authorization functionality.
• Troubleshoot and debug individual transactions and production issues.
• Prepare and execute detailed test plans and test data.
• Participate throughout the development lifecycle, from technical analysis through user acceptance testing.
• Prepare clear and thorough technical and functional specifications.
• Maintain and update system documentation, diagrams, charts, and technical materials.
• Evaluate existing processes and recommend technology or system improvements.
• Maintain the efficiency, reliability, and effectiveness of supported applications.
• Coordinate development activities with other technology, development, operations, and business teams.
• Work closely with business units to understand requirements and implement effective technology solutions.
• Drive project milestones, technical deliverables, and implementation activities.
• Coordinate and provide guidance to less experienced technical resources when needed.
• Participate in technical evaluations of vendor software and solutions.
• Ensure adherence to development standards, procedures, risk controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Support production applications and participate in special projects as required.

Required Qualifications

Technical Must-Haves

• 5+ years of systems analysis/application development experience
• Strong Mainframe development experience
• COBOL
• CICS
• JCL
• Online/real-time CICS transaction processing
• Direct Debit Card authorization experience
• Experience with real-time transaction approval/decline processing
• Experience with funds/balance validation
• Experience with authorization, holds, clearing, and reversals
• Experience troubleshooting individual transactions
• Experience working with card/network transaction inputs such as Visa or STAR

Important Distinction

Debit Card authorization experience is required. Credit Card authorization experience does not satisfy this requirement.

Candidates should demonstrate experience with real-time/online transaction processing, not solely batch-oriented Mainframe development.

Additional Required Skills

• Strong systems analysis and problem-solving abilities
• Experience working across Applications, Technology, Operations, and Business teams
• Experience recommending and implementing systems solutions
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects or project components
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience presenting technical information to business or technical audiences
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and lateral-thinking abilities
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Experience driving project milestones and delivery dates

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within a banking or financial services environment
• Strong understanding of banking application frameworks
• Subject matter expertise in the supported business applications
• Advanced understanding of integrated/interfacing applications
• Experience leading technical project activities
• Experience mentoring or coordinating less experienced developers
• Experience with production support and complex application troubleshooting
• Ability to take an enterprise/system-wide view when working on projects outside of normal Business-as-Usual (BAU) activities
• Proactive and action-oriented approach

Education & Experience

Required:

• Associate's degree and 5+ years of systems analysis/application development experience, or
• In lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 7 years of higher education and/or work experience, including at least 5 years of systems analysis/application development experience

Work Environment

• Remote opportunity
• Works under the direction of a Technology Team Lead
• Position requires the ability to work independently on complex technical assignments
• May coordinate or lead technical activities for projects ranging from small to large scope
• Regular interaction with technology teams, business stakeholders, senior management, and vendors

Top 3 Skills

1. COBOL
2. CICS Online/Real-Time
3. JCL

A candidate with strong COBOL/JCL experience but no direct online CICS + Debit Card authorization experience should not be submitted.

Thanks

John

Netstrive Consulting, LLC

450, E. 22 nd St, Suite 178,

Lombard, IL 60148

Direct:

Desk No: Ext-404

Fax:

Web:

Email:

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