Senior Programmer Analyst-i​/AS400,COBOL

Our client, is seeking an experienced, highly detail-oriented Senior Programmer Analyst to develop, maintain, and support core business applications on the IBM i / AS400 platform.

In this full-lifecycle software engineering role, you will be responsible for creating technical specifications, writing clean code, and performing comprehensive testing across mission-critical business systems. Working across the complete Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), you will analyze legacy batch/interactive programs, optimize system functionality, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver maintainable software solutions. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in RPG IV / RPG Free, COBOL, embedded SQL, and OS400 database structures, along with a proactive mindset for application troubleshooting and post-deployment support.

Location:

Burlington, ON (Hybrid schedule preferred: 3 days per week on-site in Burlington; open to remote arrangements for top candidates outside the region)

Advantages
Full-Lifecycle Engineering Impact:
Manage end-to-end projects across the entire SDLC—from initial requirements gathering and technical design to deployment, UAT support, and follow-up enhancement.

Stable Core Platform Scope:
Modernize and optimize core business processing applications running on reliable IBM System i / AS400 infrastructure.

Flexible Working Model:
Enjoy a balanced hybrid work model with 3 collaborative days per week in Burlington, ON, or fully remote flexibility for qualified regional candidates.

Collaborative Team Environment:
Work alongside experienced developers and technical leads in a supportive engineering culture focused on continuous process improvement.

Responsibilities
Technical Design & Full SDLC Execution:
Create detailed technical specifications and perform programming, unit testing, system integration testing, and deployment to deliver reliable business processing software on schedule.

IBM i Application Engineering:
Develop, maintain, and refactor business applications on the IBM i / AS400 platform using RPG IV, RPG Free, ILE, and COBOL.

System Maintenance & Code Reviews:
Analyze, debug, and troubleshoot existing batch and interactive software; participate in code walkthroughs, peer reviews, and performance tuning.

Integration & Upgrade Support:
Assist with the implementation of new application software, system upgrades, technical fixes, and third-party software integrations.

On-Call & Go-Live Operations:
Provide go-live deployment support, post-implementation monitoring, and participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation for critical business applications (1 week at a time on a rotating schedule).

Qualifications
IBM System i / AS400 Depth: 5+ years of hands-on programming experience on the IBM System i / AS400 platform analyzing, developing, and implementing applications in RPG IV, RPG Free, and ILE using SEU, SDA, embedded SQL, stored procedures, service programs, modules, binding, and activation groups.

COBOL Maintenance Expertise: 4+ years of practical experience analyzing, maintaining, and debugging COBOL batch and interactive programs on the iSeries platform.

OS400 Architecture & Data Structures:
Solid understanding of the OS400 environment, including DB2/400 database architecture, Query/400, CL scripting, and Library/File structures.

SDLC & Analytical Capabilities:
Proven ability to manage complete software development lifecycles independently, featuring strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.

Education:

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent practical work experience).

Preferred Assets & Nice-to-Haves
Experience using the Aldon change management system and ROBOT…