Sr. Mainframe Developer

THIS IS A W2 (NO C2C OR REFERRAL BASED BUSINESS), 12+ MO CONTRACT POSITION

MAX RATE BASED ON EXPERIENCE: $73HR

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, and support of enterprise mainframe technologies and applications. This role is responsible for driving technical strategy, managing the lifecycle of mainframe development tools and technologies, ensuring operational stability, and providing subject matter expertise across the mainframe ecosystem.

As a key member of an Agile team, you will participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle, from architecture and design through deployment and support. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in mainframe technologies, strong development skills, and the ability to mentor technical teams while driving modernization and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Mainframe Engineering & Architecture

• Serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for mainframe technologies and development tools.
• Design, develop, test, implement, and support enterprise mainframe solutions.
• Establish and maintain mainframe technology roadmaps, standards, and best practices.
• Lead infrastructure planning efforts and provide strategic guidance on future technology direction.
• Manage application migration initiatives and cross-functional technology projects.
• Monitor and analyze platform performance, capacity, and operational availability.
• Ensure comprehensive documentation of systems, processes, and technical solutions.

Software Development & Agile Delivery

• Design and implement new features and enhancements for enterprise applications.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies and contribute throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Act as a technical lead and hands-on developer within Agile squads.
• Drive architectural decisions across multiple applications and services.
• Develop high-quality, maintainable, and testable code.
• Practice and promote test-driven development and software engineering best practices.
• Create and execute long-term application and technology strategies.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor developers and contribute to technical communities of practice.
• Conduct code reviews and establish development standards.
• Partner with engineering, operations, and business teams to improve service delivery.
• Evaluate technology solutions and vendor proposals, including build-versus-buy assessments.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices.
• Support incident resolution and provide technical guidance for complex production issues.

Operational Excellence & Risk Management

• Automate processes to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Maintain operational procedures and support documentation.
• Ensure compliance with audit, security, and governance requirements.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technology risks.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 20+ years of software development and engineering experience.
• 10+ years of experience supporting and developing within mainframe environments.
• Strong expertise with:
• Mainframe operating systems and hardware
• TSO
• COBOL
• CICS
• SAS
• MQ
• Experience with Git, GitHub, and modern source control practices.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design principles, and development best practices.
• Experience working within Agile software development environments.
• Exceptional troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate across technical and business teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting financial services, wealth management, asset management, or related industries.
• Knowledge of software modernization initiatives and application migration strategies.
• Experience leading large-scale enterprise technology projects.
• Familiarity with CI/CD practices and DevOps methodologies.

Desired Skills

• Mainframe Architecture
• COBOL Development
• CICS
• TSO
• SAS
• MQ Series
• Git/GitHub
• Agile Development
• Test-Driven Development (TDD)
• Software Design & Architecture
• Performance & Capacity Management
• Technical Leadership & Mentoring
• Enterprise Application Support
• Documentation & Compliance

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior-level mainframe professional who enjoys combining hands-on development, architecture, technical leadership, and strategic planning in a complex enterprise environment.