COBOL/Mainframe Developer (W-2 Contract)

Job Overview We are seeking a highly skilled COBOL/Mainframe Developer to join a local IT team. This role involves designing, developing, and maintaining legacy mainframe applications primarily built in COBOL, while integrating modern technologies and architectures to ensure robust, scalable, and secure systems. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of mainframe environments, system architecture, and a broad spectrum of related technologies such as service-oriented architecture, solution architecture, and cloud security. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on mission-critical systems that support large-scale enterprise operations across diverse industries. Duties Develop, test, and implement COBOL programs within mainframe environments to meet business requirements efficiently. Maintain and enhance existing legacy applications while ensuring system stability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design system architecture solutions that incorporate ETL processes, RESTful APIs, and microservices. Conduct system analysis and debugging to identify issues related to COBOL code, JCL (Job Control Language), or mainframe operations. Integrate mainframe applications with modern platforms such as Salesforce, Pegasystems, or cloud services like AWS and Azure. Perform system hardening, vulnerability assessments, and implement security best practices including firewall configuration, VPN setup, and system hardening techniques. Support continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines using tools such as Jenkins or Git for efficient development cycles. Participate in system architecture planning involving load balancing, virtualization (VMware/ESXi), and container orchestration with Kubernetes. Assist in the migration of legacy systems to cloud environments while ensuring data integrity and security compliance. Document technical specifications and provide training or support for end-users and junior developers. Requirements Proven experience as a COBOL/Mainframe Developer with extensive knowledge of IBM z/OS or similar mainframe operating systems. Strong understanding of service-oriented architecture (SOA), solution architecture, and enterprise system design principles. Proficiency in programming languages including COBOL, C++, C#, Java, Python, and scripting languages such as Bash or Shell Scripting. Familiarity with database management systems like IBM DB2, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, or NoSQL databases; experience with SQL/T-SQL is essential. Knowledge of IT infrastructure components including load balancing, firewalls, DNS/DHCP management, VPNs, and network security protocols. Experience working within Agile methodologies and SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) frameworks. Hands-on expertise with DevOps tools such as Jenkins, Git repositories, CI/CD pipelines, and system automation tools. Understanding of modern web services including SOAP/REST APIs and integration techniques using XML/JSON formats. Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure along with virtualization technologies like VMware or ESXi. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to debug complex issues across multiple layers of the technology stack. Education & Experience 10+ years of experience within mainframe development Experience with incident triage and troubleshooting Must be highly proficient in each of the following… COBOL Easytrieve JCL CICS TSO Production Incident Support (both batch and real-time) Bachelor’s degree in IT Engineering, Computer Science, Business Management, Mathematics, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or Information Sciences preferred, or equivalent experience Experience in an agile environment strongly preferred Would prefer experience/proficiency in each of the following… Jira ISPW/Topaz Agile Methodology Life Insurance experience Certifications & Licenses Relevant certification is a plus Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Expert ability to: Work across multiple environments including cloud and on-premises, and multiple operating systems Use modern web development technologies and techniques (e.g., HTML5, CSS, Java Script, etc.) Perform design (e.g., prototype, user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX) design, interaction design) Develop solutions for both mobile and desktop Collaborate with both business and IT stakeholders and develop constructive working relationships with team and non-team members Use judgment to form conclusions that may challenge conventional wisdom Consistently apply original thinking to produce new ideas and innovate Expert understanding of: How components throughout the technology “stack” interact Front and back-end programming languages/tools Expert knowledge of: Continuous integration / continuous delivery (CI/CD), Agile, and automated deployment best practices Databases and database interaction Code versioning tools Use cases for architectural components and how to apply them Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively across technical teams and business units. This position is ideal for professionals eager to leverage their legacy system expertise while embracing innovative solutions within a forward-thinking organization committed to technological excellence. #ILL2 Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year Benefits: Health insurance Education: Bachelor's (Preferred) Experience: COBOL: 10 years (Preferred) Mainframe development: 10 years (Preferred) Easytrieve : 9 years (Preferred) JCL: 10 years (Preferred) CICS: 10 years (Preferred) TSO: 10 years (Preferred) Jira: 10 years (Preferred) CI/CD: 9 years (Preferred) Agile: 10 years (Preferred) insurance environment : 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: In person