Mainframe Application Developer

Mainframe Developer | COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, Security & Compliance, Mainframe Modernization

Job Summary
Synechron is seeking an experienced Mainframe Developer to support the maintenance, enhancement, and development of enterprise mainframe applications critical to business operations. This role involves analyzing business requirements, designing technical solutions, and ensuring the stability, security, and performance of mainframe systems. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable solutions aligned with organizational standards and industry best practices, contributing to operational excellence.

Software Requirements

• Required:

  • Proficiency in COBOL, JCL, DB2, and VSAM, with extensive experience in mainframe application development and maintenance

  • Familiarity with mainframe-related tools and environments supporting testing, deployment, and problem resolution

  • Experience with source version control tools relevant to mainframe development (mainframe-specific or integrated with modern tools)

  • Knowledge of security protocols, access controls, and compliance standards relevant to mainframe environments

• Preferred:

  • Experience with Mainframe Modernization tools and frameworks

  • Knowledge of automation tools and scripting for batch processing or deployment (such as REXX, Python scripting for mainframe tasks)

  • Familiarity with cloud integration or hybrid cloud-mainframe environments

Overall Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain mainframe applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, and VSAM to support business transactions and data processing needs.

• Analyze business requirements and translate them into detailed technical specifications for system enhancements and new development.

• Collaborate with business analysts, system analysts, and operations teams to implement solutions and ensure system stability.

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to mainframe applications and environments promptly.

• Perform system enhancements, performance tuning, and data security updates to optimize system reliability and efficiency.

• Document application architecture, system processes, and operational procedures for compliance and knowledge sharing.

• Ensure adherence to coding standards, security policies, and best practices through code reviews and process improvements.

• Participate in project meetings, code reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Technical Skills (By Category)

• Programming Languages:
  Required: COBOL, JCL
  Preferred: REXX, Python scripting for batch automation or system integration

• Databases & Data Management:
  DB2, VSAM, and other mainframe data stores; understanding of data design and security in a mainframe context

• Cloud Technologies:
  Basic understanding of cloud integration or hybrid cloud architectures (preferred)

• Frameworks & Libraries:
  Not applicable; focus is on mainframe tools and environments

• Development & Management Tools:
  Mainframe debugging tools, source control tools compatible with mainframe environments, change management systems

• Security & Standards:
  Adherence to mainframe security standards, encryption policies, access control frameworks, and compliance regulations

Experience Requirements

• 6+ years of hands-on experience supporting, maintaining, or developing enterprise mainframe applications.

• Proven expertise in COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and mainframe system administration.

• Demonstrated success in system troubleshooting, performance tuning, and implementing system enhancements.

• Experience working within regulated industries such as banking, insurance, or finance is preferred.

• Alternative experience pathways include extensive mainframe support roles involving application development, migration, or modernization efforts.

Day-to-Day Activities

• Develop, modify, and optimize mainframe applications to meet evolving business requirements.

• Support batch jobs, online transactions, and data processing flows with high reliability.

• Troubleshoot system issues and optimize environment performance.

• Collaborate with analysts and operations teams during system upgrades and problem resolution.

• Maintain detailed documentation of system architecture, code, and operational procedures.

• Participate in incident management, change control, and process improvement activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline.

• Extensive experience in mainframe application support and development, especially COBOL, JCL, and DB2.

• Certifications or training in mainframe security, modernization, or related fields are advantageous.

• Proven ability to support enterprise-scale mainframe environments in regulated industries.

Professional Competencies

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for complex mainframe applications and environments.

• Excellent communication skills to work effectively with diverse technical teams and stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, managing multiple priorities.

• Capable of continuous learning to stay current with mainframe modernization trends and best practices.

• Attention to detail to ensure system security, data integrity, and compliance.

• Effective time and task management to deliver solutions on schedule.

S​YNECHRON’S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

Diversity & Inclusion are fundamental to our culture, and Synechron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative ‘Same Difference’ is committed to fostering an inclusive culture – promoting equality, diversity and an environment that is respectful to all. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce helps build stronger, successful businesses as a global company. We encourage applicants from across diverse backgrounds, race, ethnicities, religion, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientations, or disabilities to apply. We empower our global workforce by offering flexible workplace arrangements, mentoring, internal mobility, learning and development programs, and more.

All employment decisions at Synechron are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to the applicant’s gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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