Sr. Cobol Developer/Mainframe Developer

Title: Sr. Cobol Developer/Mainframe DeveloperLocation: Trenton, NJ 08608Duration: 6 + months (will be extended)Type: Contract - Onsite** Local Candidates only. Candidates should have strong background in Cobol, ADABAS, and Natural. Strong in JCL as well**Job DescriptionWe are looking for a Senior Mainframe Developer / COBOL Senior Consultant to evaluate existing systems and user needs in order to analyze, design, recommend, and implement information system changes. This position will be a full-time contract role and is onsite in Trenton, NJ.Responsibilities:Participate in development efforts supporting the project involving multiple legacy mainframe applicationsAnalyze existing legacy systems and provide code walkthroughs, logic analysis, and technical documentation to ITS development teamsDesign, develop, modify, test, and maintain COBOL and NATURAL programs, along with associated JCL jobs, based on functional specifications and enhancement requestsPerform ongoing maintenance and enhancements to batch and online mainframe applicationsTroubleshoot and resolve production issues, job failures, and system abends, including root cause analysis and corrective actionsAnalyze ADABAS database structures, files, and access methods to support application development and system integrationDevelop and maintain data feeds, file layouts, and interface processes between legacy systems and modernized ITS componentsParticipate in system design reviews, technical planning sessions, and code reviewsProduce and maintain technical documentation, including program specifications, data definitions, job flows, and system architecture documentationSupport system testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing UATImplement best practices for mainframe development, including coding standards, version control, and change managementAssist with performance tuning and optimization of batch jobs, database access, and program executionProvide production support for mission critical applications and collaborate closely with analysts, architects, and development teamsRequired:Advanced experience with COBOL programming in enterprise mainframe environmentsStrong expertise in JCL development and job schedulingExtensive experience with NATURAL programmingWorking knowledge of ADABAS database architecture and file structuresExperience analyzing and maintaining large legacy mainframe codebasesStrong troubleshooting and debugging skills for batch and online applicationsExperience with system integration, data interfaces, and file transfer processesProficiency with mainframe utilities, debugging tools, and job monitoring toolsStrong documentation and communication skillsAbility to work independently while coordinating with multiple technical teamsPreferred:Experience supporting taxation or government revenue systemsFamiliarity with CICS and online transaction processing environmentsExperience with data migration or modernization projects involving legacy mainframe applicationsKnowledge of mainframe security, scheduling systems, and source code management toolsExperience working within large scale enterprise or government IT environmentsPhysical DemandsAbility to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA and other federal, state, and local standardsSedentary work that involves sitting or remaining stationary most of the time with occasional need to move around the office to attend meetingsAbility to conduct repetitive tasks on a computer, utilizing a mouse, keyboard, and monitor