Mainframe Modernization Lead Architect

Description - External About the role

As a Mainframe Modernization Lead Architect , you will make an impact by leading the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of Java and Angular application development projects. You will be a valued member of the technology delivery team and collaborate closely with stakeholders, technical leads, developers, and cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless execution across the project lifecycle.

• Associate will be part of the Legacy Modernization team.
• Associate is also responsible for the deliverables for those consulting projects which will include the technical assessment of the application, Tools development, Application data analysis.
• There would be requirement for customization in the framework for different system applications based on the technology they are using, and associate shall be able to understand the requirement and will modify the framework accordingly.
• Associate will also be involved during the actual implementation phase of the project to provide better guidance and best practices to improve the overall quality of Cognizant’s deliverable to the client in projects.
• Expertise in operating within client environments as a trusted technical advisor and primary point of contact.
• Strategic experience in designing and presenting end-to-end solutions to Enterprise Architects and senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in spearheading onshore deliverables while providing technical oversight to offshore migration teams.
• Expert at facilitating alignment between client stakeholders and diverse third‑party vendor partners.
• Proficient in end‑to‑end migration planning, including proactive risk forecasting and the execution of mitigation strategies.

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 5 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Chigaco, IL.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on project needs, client requirements, or business priorities. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

Please note: A few of our roles may require in‑person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.

Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

• 10- 15 years of experience.
• Modernization Skills.
• Strong hands‑on experience in Mainframe Modernization including Reengineering, Rehosting, Replatforming etc.
• Direct experience working on at least one migration project utilizing TSRI tool (Cobol to Java).
• Strong experience in conducting assessments including Application and Software/Tools baseline, evaluating modernization solution options.
• Experience in Migration estimations, arriving at Implementation Roadmap.
• Experience in technically leading the Modernization / Migration projects.
• Architecture Skills, Automation Skills, Solution Skills, Team Leadership Skills.
• Key Secondary
  
  Skills:
  
  Modernization Skills.
• Working experience in any one of the Reengineering tools like Blu Age, Astadia etc.
• Working experience in any one of the Gen AI tools (Git Hub Copilot, Gemini, Swimm IO etc.)
• Exposure to Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Google etc.)

• COBOL
• CICS
• JCL
• VSAM
• DB2

• Focus
• PL/I
• Assembler
• REXX
• Python
• Cloud technologies

• Architecture Skills
• To have working knowledge on Conducting Assessment & Develop the Deliverables.
• To be strong in analysis of as‑is Legacy system irrespective of type of legacy technologies modules involved.
• Should be able to use various internal/external tools to baseline the legacy inventory.
• Should be able to visualize and suggest to‑be solutions for each legacy technology.
• Should be able to depict different types of architecture – current State, target State, integration architecture.
• Should be…