Lead Developer, Backend Developer, Computer Software ​/ Middleware

Title:

Lead Developer

Location:

Newark, NJ

Mid Client:
Randstad

End Client:
Ports America

* All candidates selected for an interview are required to complete our mandatory identity verification process.

We are seeking an experienced AS400 / IBM i Developer with Web Sphere EDI expertise to take full operational ownership of our homegrown port and logistics management platform. Over the years, our proprietary IBM i core has evolved alongside IBM Web Sphere to manage critical, real-time port operations-including container tracking, terminal yard management, dispatching, and automated B2B data exchange.

In this role, you will perform code forensics on our custom legacy codebase, map out existing Web Sphere middleware integration channels, and transition into our primary Subject Matter Expert (SME). Once onboarded, you will lead future AS400 development, modernize EDI data pipelines, optimize system performance, and provide tier-3 support for our core port/logistics ecosystem.

• System Discovery & Code Forensics: Reverse-engineer homegrown RPG/CL programs and DB2 tables to map business rules, data structures, and custom workflows.
• Web Sphere & EDI Integration Management: Maintain, configure, and expand IBM Web Sphere middleware (Web Sphere MQ / Integration Bus / B2B) to manage automated EDI communications with shipping lines, customs agencies, rail providers, and trucking fleets.
• EDI Data Mapping & Translation: Develop and update maps for core maritime/logistics EDI transaction sets-including 210 (Invoice), 214 (Transportation Status), 301 (Booking Confirmation), 310 (Ocean Manifest), 322 (Terminal Operations), and 850/856 (PO / ASN).
• Core Maintenance & Support: Serve as the primary developer responsible for system stability, troubleshooting failed EDI transmissions/translations, resolving spool/batch job issues, and applying emergency bug fixes.
• System Modernization & APIs: Design and implement REST/SOAP APIs, Web Sphere messaging channels, and database connectors to seamlessly link the AS400 core with modern Web/SaaS port operations tools.
• Documentation & Knowledge Transfer: Document undocumented business logic, system architecture, database schemas, and Web Sphere routing paths to eliminate single-point-of-failure risks.

Required:

• IBM i / AS400 Proficiency: 5+ years of hands-on experience in IBM i (AS400/iSeries) development environments.
• RPG Mastery: Deep proficiency in RPG IV, RPGLE, Free-Format RPG, and legacy RPG III / RPG II code.
• Web Sphere & Middleware: Hands-on experience configuring and integrating IBM Web Sphere (MQ, Integration Bus/App Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway) with IBM i applications.
• System Tools: Expertise in CL/CLLE (Control Language), DB2 for i, SQL/400, and Embedded SQL.
• EDI Protocols: Strong working knowledge of ANSI X12 and EDIFACT standards, translation mapping, and transport protocols (AS2, FTP/SFTP, Web Sphere MQ).
• Legacy Code Forensics: Proven ability to dive into complex, undocumented, homegrown legacy applications and reverse-engineer existing business logic.

• Domain
  
  Experience:
  
  Prior background in port operations, container terminals, freight forwarding, warehousing, or transportation management systems (TMS).
• Modernization Background: Experience with web technologies (PHP, Python, Node.js) or IBM i web-enablement tools (e.g., Profound UI, Fresche/Look software).

• Self-Driven Investigator: You enjoy the challenge of solving puzzles-tracing job streams, analyzing spool queues, and deciphering legacy logic without needing step-by-step documentation.
• Ownership Mindset: You take pride in keeping high-volume, mission-critical logistics systems and EDI pipelines running smoothly around the clock.
• Bridge Builder: You can bridge the gap between deep technical AS400/Web Sphere architecture and the non-technical needs of operational port managers.