Senior Mainframe Architect

V2

Soft is a global leader in IT services and business solutions, delivering innovative and cost-effective technology solutions worldwide since 1998. We have We have headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, MI and have 16 offices spread across six countries. We partner with Fortune 500 companies to address complex business challenges. Our services span AI, IT staffing, cloud computing, engineering, mobility, testing, and more.

Certified with CMMI Level 3 and ISO standards, V2

Soft is committed to quality and security. Beyond our work, we actively support local communities and non-profits, reflecting our core values. Join us to be part of a dynamic and impactful global company! Please visit us at  to know more. About the Role Client relies on IBM Z platforms for mission-critical processes across manufacturing, supply chain, dealer networks, finance, and customer systems.

We are looking for a Senior Mainframe Architect who is a hands-on subject matter expert across the z/OS ecosystem. You will set the architecture, standards, and roadmap for our mainframe estate and provide technical direction to our external managed services partner, Kyndryl.

Key Responsibilities Architecture and Design Define the target-state architecture and multi-year roadmap for z/OS, CICS, DB2, IMS, and Web Sphere Liberty. Design scalable, secure, high-availability solutions that integrate the mainframe with enterprise systems and cloud platforms. Evaluate and recommend modernization approaches (API enablement, hybrid cloud, refactoring, selective migration) with clear cost, risk, and value cases. Establish architectural standards, patterns, and governance for mainframe changes.

Technical Leadership Serve as the escalation point for complex incidents, performance issues, and root cause analysis. Guide application and platform teams on transaction processing (CICS, IMS TM), database management (DB2, IMS DB), and batch job control (JCL). Architect Web Sphere Liberty on z/OS for Java workloads and REST/JSON services that connect mainframe applications to distributed and cloud systems. Provide guidance on COBOL application design, maintenance, and modernization.

Mainframe Operating Systems Proficiency with IBM z/OS and related environments, including system programming concepts, Parallel Sysplex, and storage. Key Mainframe Products Expertise in CICS (transaction processing), DB2 (database management), IMS (transaction and database management), and JCL (job control). Hands-on experience with IBM Web Sphere Liberty on z/OS. Working knowledge of messaging on z/OS (e.g., IBM MQ). General Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.

12+ years of mainframe experience, including 5+ years in an architect or senior technical lead role. Experience working with an external outsourcing partner;
Kyndryl experience preferred. Excellent communication skills, including presenting to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with z/OS Connect, API management, and hybrid cloud integration. Mainframe Dev Ops experience (Git, CI/CD, automated testing, IBM DBB, Zowe, Ansible for z/OS). Familiarity with Omegamon, Net View, SA z/OS, and CICSPlex SM. Experience in automotive or large-scale manufacturing. Certifications such as IBM Z, ITIL, TOGAF, or cloud architecture credentials. V2

Soft is an Equal Opportunity Employer ( EOE). We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.  - to view all of our open opportunities and to learn more about our benefits.