Mainframe Developer
Position: Senior Mainframe DeveloperLocation: Dearborn, MI (Hybrid) or RemotePosition SummarySeeking an experienced Senior Mainframe Developer to support and modernize mission-critical financial and automotive applications that power global business operations. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership in the design, development, maintenance, and modernization of enterprise mainframe solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams, business stakeholders, architects, and cloud transformation initiatives. This role requires deep expertise in IBM z/OS technologies, batch processing, production support, application modernization, and Agile software delivery practices.Key ResponsibilitiesApplication Development & EnhancementDesign, develop, test, and maintain enterprise mainframe applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, CICS, and IMS.Analyze business requirements and translate them into scalable technical solutions.Develop and execute unit, integration, and system test plans.Perform impact analysis and provide implementation estimates for enhancement requests.Production Support & OperationsSupport mission-critical production systems and resolve incidents within established SLAs.Analyze batch processing failures, data discrepancies, and performance issues.Perform root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions.Collaborate with infrastructure and operations teams during production deployments.Database & Performance OptimizationOptimize DB2 queries, batch jobs, and application performance.Conduct database analysis and tuning activities.Monitor application health and proactively address performance bottlenecks.Mainframe ModernizationParticipate in modernization initiatives involving integration with Java, Spring Boot, Cloud, API, and distributed technologies.Assist in migration and coexistence strategies between legacy mainframe and modern platforms.Support data migration and system integration efforts.Technical LeadershipProvide mentoring and technical guidance to junior and mid-level developers.Conduct code reviews and ensure adherence to development standards and best practices.Drive continuous improvement initiatives and engineering excellence.Collaboration & GovernanceWork closely with Product Owners, Architects, QA teams, and Business stakeholders.Participate in Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.Maintain technical documentation, runbooks, and support procedures.Ensure compliance with Ford security, audit, and change management standards.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.8+ years of hands-on experience in Mainframe application development.Strong expertise in:COBOLJCLDB2VSAMCICSIMSEndevorFile-AIDSPUFIExperience supporting large-scale financial or automotive business applications.Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.Experience with production support and incident management.Working knowledge of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Mainframe Modernization initiatives.Knowledge of Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and Microservices.Exposure to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or other cloud technologies.Experience with DevOps tools, GitHub, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing.Experience with scheduling tools such as CA7, ESP, or AutoSys.Familiarity with RACF security administration and access controls.Knowledge of financial systems and lending business processes.Key CompetenciesTechnical LeadershipApplication ArchitectureAnalytical ThinkingProduction Problem ResolutionStakeholder ManagementContinuous ImprovementAgile DeliveryCommunication and CollaborationMentoring and CoachingSuccess MeasuresThe Senior Mainframe Developer will be expected to:Deliver high-quality, defect-free code.Improve application reliability and performance.Successfully support production operations with minimal downtime.Contribute to modernization and cloud transformation initiatives.Mentor team members and promote engineering best practices.Drive operational efficiency through automation and innovation.