Lead Cobol Programmer

About the Company:Our client is a well-established capital equipment provider with operations across the western United States. With a large multi-state footprint and a long history of growth through acquisitions, the company supports customers through equipment sales, rentals, parts, and service. Their IT systems are mission-critical and continue to evolve through modernization and data integration initiatives.Job Summary:We are seeking a Senior Lead Programmer Analyst (COBOL) to serve as a hands-on technical leader supporting core business systems. This role is ideal for an experienced COBOL developer who enjoys deep technical work while also guiding design decisions, mentoring peers, and supporting system modernization efforts.This is a player-coach role, not a formal management position. You will remain actively involved in development while providing technical leadership across the COBOL team, particularly as legacy systems transition to SQL-based architectures.Key Responsibilities:Act as a senior, hands-on developer supporting and enhancing COBOL applications (online and batch)Design and develop new COBOL programs, processes, and system enhancementsEmbed SQL within COBOL programs as legacy files are migrated to relational databasesDevelop new functionality leveraging SQL-based data structuresProvide technical leadership for core systems including parts inventory, customer data, invoicing, and tax modulesPartner with business stakeholders to translate requirements into effective technical solutionsParticipate in application design, planning, and technical reviewsLead or contribute to data conversions related to acquisitions and system integrationsCreate and maintain technical documentation, design artifacts, and test plansIdentify and recommend improvements to development practices and system efficiencyMentor peer developers through code reviews and technical guidanceRequired Qualifications:Strong hands-on experience with COBOL on HP NonStop (Tandem) platformsExperience developing and supporting online and batch COBOL applicationsProficiency with SQL, including embedding SQL within COBOL programsExperience with SQLXpress and HTMLSolid understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC)Strong skills in system analysis, debugging, testing, and troubleshootingExcellent technical documentation and communication skillsProven ability to work independently while collaborating within a teamStrong analytical, organizational, and time-management skillsPreferred Qualifications:Experience leading or mentoring developers in a technical (non-managerial) capacityExperience with legacy-to-SQL modernization effortsBackground in acquisition-driven or integration-heavy environmentsExposure to inventory, parts, invoicing, or financial systemsExperience in heavy equipment, manufacturing, distribution, or similar industriesWhy This Role?Fully remote, full-time positionHigh-impact role supporting mission-critical systemsOpportunity to shape technical direction and modernization effortsHands-on leadership without people-management responsibilitiesStable organization with long-term investment in core technology