Mainframe Specialist

About the Role

Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to join our Mainframe Modernization practice and serve as a technical anchor for high-impact transformation programs. Depending on experience, this role may be filled at the Mainframe Specialist or Associate Manager level.

• Serve as subject-matter expert across core mainframe technologies, providing hands-on guidance to project teams and clients.
• Lead the design, development, and modernization of mainframe applications, enforcing best practices and architectural standards.
• Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies—covering rehosting, refactoring, re-platforming, and reengineering approaches.
• Oversee the implementation of approved modernization roadmaps, from inception through go-live.

• Partner with cross-functional teams—architects, developers, QA, and business analysts—to gather requirements, analyze business needs, and deliver high-quality solutions.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for modernization investments.
• Maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, providing expert guidance on strategy, risk, and solution design.

• Mentor and coach junior team members, cultivating their mainframe and modernization skills.
• Define and continuously refine the practice roadmap, aligning modernization initiatives with organizational goals.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging mainframe technologies, incorporating new capabilities into the practice.

Role may require up to 100% travel based on client engagement requirements.

• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on mainframe development experience in one or more of: COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF.
• Minimum 3+ years leading or executing mainframe modernization initiatives with a demonstrable track record of delivery.
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent minimum 12 years’ work experience. (Associate’s Degree requires minimum 6 years’ work experience.)

• Certifications in mainframe technologies (e.g., IBM Certified) and project management (e.g., PMP, SAFe).
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills—proven ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex legacy environments and craft innovative, pragmatic modernization solutions.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) as modernization targets.

Compensation details, location-specific salary ranges, and benefits information may be provided directly by the employer and are available upon request.