Lead IBM i​/AS400 Developer; WebSphere EDI

Job Title: Lead IBM i / AS400 Developer (Web Sphere EDI)

Location: Newark, NJ (On-site)

Employment Type: Contract (W2 through Zip Staff — No C2C or 1099)

Zip Staff is seeking a Lead IBM i / AS400 Developer to take operational ownership of a proprietary port and logistics platform at a major port operations and marine terminal organization.

The core system runs on IBM i and has grown alongside IBM Web Sphere to support real-time container tracking, terminal yard management, dispatch, and automated B2B exchange. You will reverse-engineer the homegrown codebase, map Web Sphere integration channels, become the primary SME, and then lead ongoing IBM i development, EDI modernization, performance work, and Tier-3 support.

• Reverse-engineer homegrown RPG / CL programs and DB2 tables to map business rules, data structures, and custom workflows.
• Maintain, configure, and expand IBM Web Sphere middleware (MQ, Integration Bus / App Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway) for automated EDI with shipping lines, customs, rail, and trucking.
• Develop and update maps for maritime / logistics EDI sets, including 210, 214, 301, 310, 322, and 850 / 856.
• Own system stability: failed EDI transmissions, spool / batch jobs, and emergency fixes.
• Design REST / SOAP APIs, Web Sphere messaging channels, and database connectors from the IBM i core to modern web / SaaS port tools.
• Document undocumented business logic, architecture, DB2 schemas, and Web Sphere routing so the platform is not a single point of failure.
• Lead future IBM i development and act as the primary technical owner after onboarding.

• 5+ years of hands-on IBM i (AS400 / iSeries) development.
• Deep proficiency in RPG IV, RPGLE, free-format RPG, and legacy RPG III / RPG II.
• Hands-on IBM Web Sphere integration with IBM i (MQ, Integration Bus / App Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway).
• Strong CL / CLLE, DB2 for i, SQL/400, and embedded SQL.
• Working knowledge of ANSI X12 and EDIFACT, translation mapping, and transport (AS2, FTP / SFTP, Web Sphere MQ).
• Proven ability to reverse-engineer complex, undocumented homegrown applications.
• Ability to work on-site in Newark, NJ.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

• Port operations, container terminals, freight forwarding, warehousing, or TMS.
• IBM i web enablement (Profound UI, Fresche / LANSA) or adjacent web skills (PHP, Python, Node.js).

Zip Staff partners with leading organizations to connect skilled technology professionals with high-impact contract opportunities. We focus on quality matches, clear communication, and long-term success for candidates and clients.