Senior AI Mainframe Modernization Engineer / Weehawken, NJ / Onsite Mandatory

Senior AI Mainframe Modernization Engineer
Location Weehawken, NJ (Onsite)
Duration : 6 months

About the Role:
We are seeking a forward-thinking Senior AI Mainframe Modernization Engineer to join our technology group. This role will be at the tip of the spear in modernizing legacy mainframe systems into agile, AI-enhanced architectures that support next-generation digital wealth platforms. You'll serve as a technical modernization lead, guiding cross-functional teams and frequently interfacing with executive and C-suite stakeholders to align modernization initiatives with strategic business goals.
This is a hands-on engineering and advisory role ideal for someone who can operate across deep technical challenges, large-scale transformation programs, and high-stakes executive communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the modernization of mainframe-based wealth management systems (e.g., account servicing, trade settlement, portfolio reporting, data aggregation).
• Implement modernization strategies using AI/ML-assisted code analysis, automated refactoring, and cloud-native development.
• Replace or integrate legacy COBOL/VSAM functions with scalable microservices using Java and Python.
• Leverage Groovy scripting for automation (e.g., pipeline orchestration, Gradle builds, testing frameworks).
• Collaborate with Wealth business leaders, CIOs, and Heads of Operations to understand platform needs and communicate modernization roadmaps effectively.
• Conduct impact assessments and dependency mapping using AI-powered tools for large, entangled mainframe estates.
• Implement secure and regulatory-compliant modernization aligned with Client, SEC, and internal audit standards.
• Contribute to the design of enterprise cloud migration patterns (e.g., AWS/Azure) and hybrid hosting strategies.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of software development experience, including 3+ years in mainframe modernization within financial services.
• Hands-on experience with mainframe systems (e.g., IBM z/OS, COBOL, JCL) and modernization using Java/Python-based stacks.
• Strong expertise in Groovy scripting, automation tooling, and DevOps (CI/CD, GitLab, Jenkins).
• Excellent communication skills; proven ability to engage senior business and technology executives on technical strategy and transformation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of Wealth & Asset Management processes: client onboarding, portfolio management, trade lifecycle, reconciliation, and compliance reporting.
• Prior experience working with investment platforms, RIA technology stacks, or institutional wealth solutions.
• Experience with AI-driven tools for code translation, dependency analysis, or impact forecasting (e.g., IBM ADDI, Modern Systems, or custom LLM-based tools).
• Experience deploying modernized services to AWS or Azure, including use of serverless and Kubernetes-based environments.
• Cloud or AI certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Developer, Microsoft AI Engineer, Google Cloud ML Engineer).
• Exposure to regulatory reporting systems and compliance frameworks (e.g., MiFID II, Form ADV).