Mainframe Tech Lead

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end technical delivery of mainframe applications and batch jobs across various business domains.
• Analyze, design, develop, and support applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, IMS DB/DC, CICS, and VSAM.
• Provide technical leadership to a team of developers, ensuring adherence to coding standards, quality, and best practices.
• Collaborate with business analysts and stakeholders to gather requirements and translate them into robust mainframe solutions.
• Optimize existing code and database access for performance and efficiency.
• Integrate mainframe systems with distributed/cloud platforms using tools such as IBM MQ or APIs.
• Participate in production support, troubleshooting, and incident resolution for mainframe applications.
• Perform code reviews, performance tuning, and ensure compliance with security and regulatory standards.
• Mentor junior developers and contribute to technical knowledge sharing across teams.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, IMS (DB/DC), and IBM MQ.
• Strong understanding of batch processing, transaction processing, and online mainframe applications.
• Experience working with enterprise schedulers (e.g., CA-7, Control-M).
• Solid understanding of SDLC, including Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead mainframe modernization efforts or integrations with external systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong communication skills and experience interacting with business and IT leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with mainframe DevOps tools (Endevor, Changeman, ISPW, etc.).
• Exposure to API/microservices integration with mainframe backend.
• Knowledge of modern programming interfaces (e.g., RESTful APIs with z/OS Connect).
• Experience in financial services, insurance, or other mainframe-intensive industries.
• Familiarity with disaster recovery, high availability, and data integrity practices on the mainframe.