Title: Mainframe Developer
Location: Des Moines, Iowa – 100% Remote
Client: State of Iowa
State Agency domain experience is preferred.
Job Description:
We are looking for a Mainframe Developer with at least 7+ years of IT experience and strong experience with Cobol, JCL and IDMS & VSAM.
This role is needed to support and enhance the COBOL-based interfaces, batch jobs, file-processing applications, and data exchange processes that allow both systems to operate together while modernization efforts are underway.
Job Summary:
The State of Iowa is seeking a Mainframe Developer to support the modernization of its eligibility systems by maintaining and enhancing integrations between the legacy Child Support Enforcement system (ICAR) and the new EDEN eligibility platform. This role will be responsible for developing and modifying COBOL and JCL programs, supporting batch processing, maintaining IDMS and VSAM-based applications, updating file layouts and data mappings, and ensuring reliable data exchange between legacy and modern systems. The developer will perform analysis, testing, deployment support, production troubleshooting, and interface maintenance while working closely with business analysts, architects, testers, and technical teams to support the state's ongoing modernization efforts and maintain operational stability.
Top Desired Skills:
1. Mainframe Development
COBOL programming
JCL (Job Control Language)
Mainframe application development and support
2. IDMS & VSAM
IDMS database development and support
VSAM datasets and file processing
Schema/Subschema navigation and database integration
3. Batch Processing
Batch job development and maintenance
GDG management and dataset lifecycle administration
Production batch processing support
4. Data Integration & Interface Support
Flat file design and parsing
Data mapping and transformation logic
Multi-system integrations and data exchange processes
5. Production Support & Troubleshooting
Root cause analysis
Production issue resolution
Legacy application maintenance and modernization
Employee Value Proposition (EVP):
-Experience supporting Child Support Enforcement, Human Services, eligibility, or public assistance systems
-Knowledge of production support, release management, and deployment processes in mainframe environments
-Experience with large-scale legacy system modernization and data migration initiatives
-Familiarity with Agile or hybrid project delivery methodologies
-Strong technical documentation skills including interface specifications, runbooks, process flows, and operational procedures
Work Environment:
This role operates within a collaborative environment supporting a major State of Iowa modernization initiative. The Mainframe Developer will work closely with project managers, business analysts, architects, testers, and technical teams to support and enhance critical Child Support Enforcement and eligibility systems. The position combines hands-on COBOL development, batch processing, systems integration, testing, deployment support, and production troubleshooting while helping bridge legacy mainframe applications with the new EDEN eligibility platform. It is an ideal environment for a senior mainframe professional who enjoys solving complex integration challenges, supporting mission-critical systems, and contributing to large-scale government modernization efforts.
Business Drivers/Customer Impact:
The State of Iowa is replacing its aging eligibility platform with the new EDEN eligibility system and must maintain reliable integration with the legacy Child Support Enforcement (ICAR) system throughout the transition. This role is needed to support and enhance the COBOL-based interfaces, batch jobs, file-processing applications, and data exchange processes that allow both systems to operate together while modernization efforts are underway. The goal is to ensure accurate, uninterrupted data processing and business operations while migrating from legacy technology to a modern statewide eligibility platform.
