Mainframe Programmer (Database Migration Specialist)

Location: Hartford, CT (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Contract
Local Candidates Preferred

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Programmer / Database Migration Specialist to support a critical enterprise-wide data migration and modernization initiative. This role requires a seasoned mainframe professional with deep expertise in COBOL, JCL, IMS databases, and large-scale data conversion processes.

The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing legacy mainframe applications, developing data extraction and transformation solutions, supporting migration activities, and ensuring data integrity throughout the migration lifecycle. This position requires strong technical leadership, exceptional troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with aggressive project timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing mainframe applications, databases, VSAM files, and batch processing workflows to support migration activities.
• Design, develop, and execute data extraction solutions from IMS databases and other legacy mainframe data sources.
• Create, modify, test, and maintain JCL for data extraction, conversion processing, file transfers, and migration testing activities.
• Perform detailed COBOL program analysis and implement code modifications to support data extraction, transformation, validation, and reconciliation processes.
• Develop and maintain FTP/SFTP file transfer processes to securely transmit migration files between source and target environments.
• Utilize IMS utilities and BMC Utilities for IMS to unload, extract, validate, and reconcile database content.
• Develop and execute comprehensive data validation and reconciliation procedures to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Support file mapping activities, field-level transformation requirements, and data conversion specifications.
• Troubleshoot batch processing failures, abends, data discrepancies, performance bottlenecks, and migration-related issues.
• Collaborate with database administrators, architects, business analysts, project managers, and technical teams to define migration requirements and resolve technical challenges.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, migration runbooks, implementation procedures, operational guides, and support documentation.
• Participate in migration testing, system integration testing (SIT), user acceptance testing (UAT), and production implementation activities.
• Provide production support during migration cutover events and post-implementation stabilization periods.
• Identify opportunities for automation using CLIST, REXX, File-AID, and other mainframe utilities.
• Ensure compliance with organizational change management, security, audit, and governance standards.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on Mainframe Development experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in COBOL programming and code maintenance.
• Strong experience developing and troubleshooting JCL.
• Extensive experience working with IMS Databases.
• Hands-on experience with BMC Utilities for IMS.
• Proven experience designing and executing large-scale data extraction, conversion, and migration processes.
• Strong understanding of FTP/SFTP protocols and secure file transfer methodologies.
• Experience supporting enterprise data migration, modernization, or platform transformation initiatives.
• Strong data analysis, reconciliation, validation, and quality assurance skills.
• Ability to independently manage complex technical assignments with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with File-AID.
• Experience with EZtrieve.
• Knowledge of CLIST and REXX scripting/automation.
• Experience supporting legacy modernization, cloud migration, or digital transformation initiatives.
• Prior experience working within financial services, insurance, healthcare, or government environments.
• Familiarity with enterprise batch processing and large-scale production support operations.

Critical Success Factors

• Ability to quickly assess and understand complex legacy mainframe environments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve critical migration issues under tight deadlines.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills across technical and business teams.
• Ability to deliver high-quality migration solutions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Required Skills Summary

• COBOL
• JCL
• IMS Database
• BMC Utilities for IMS
• Data Migration
• Data Conversion
• Data Validation & Reconciliation
• FTP/SFTP
• Mainframe Development
• Batch Processing
• Production Support
• Legacy Modernization