Microfocus Cobol

Title: Remote Micro Focus Cobol-Technical Lead
Duration: 6+months/contract
Work time: EST
Client is currently upgrading its Micro Focus COBOL environment from version 7 to version 10 while executing a broader modernization initiative to transition away from its legacy Micro Focus COBOL platform toward a modern .NET Framework/Azure-based architecture.
The modernization effort is currently being supported by Capgemini, which has been engaged for over a year and manages three offshore teams based in India:
12 consultants dedicated to the Micro Focus COBOL 7-to-10 upgrade.
6 consultants providing Redwood scheduler support.
6 consultants providing overnight production support, monitoring, troubleshooting, and issue resolution.
In addition to strong legacy platform expertise, the ideal candidate will have some experience with .NET Framework, C#, Azure, and Windows Server to help bridge the gap between the existing COBOL environment and Ryder''s future-state architecture. This individual will play a critical role in identifying modernization opportunities, integrating legacy applications with modern technologies, and developing a long-term strategy for retiring or transforming legacy systems.
Role Summary:
The Technical Lead will be responsible for the day-to-day ownership, stability, and evolution of enterprise applications built primarily on the Micro Focus COBOL platform. This role focuses on modernization support initiatives, production support, version upgrades and technical leadership for systems integrated with modern platforms.

Primary Responsibilities:
Serve as the primary technical owner for applications running on the Rocket Micro Focus COBOL platform.
Lead production support activities, including incident resolution, root cause analysis, and preventative fixes.
Microsoft Technical Stack background - .NET Framework, Visual Studio, C#, Web API, CI/CD
Mentor developers and provide technical direction across onshore/offshore teams.
Maintain COBOL programs using Micro Focus Enterprise Server / Enterprise Developer.
Support legacy systems utilizing COBOL, JCL, CICS, IMS and SQL.
Windows administrator server experience to setup and configure applications and troubleshoot applications.
Understand the technology to help solution recommendations for modernization into other platforms and applications.
Partner with infrastructure, database, and cloud teams to support Micro Focus environments in Windows and Azure.
Guide and enforce coding standards, performance optimization, and best practices.
Ensure operational readiness, including batch scheduling Redwood, monitoring, and job automation tools.
Required Qualifications
8–10+ years of hands-on experience in COBOL development, with Micro Focus as the primary runtime environment.
Experience with Micro Focus Enterprise Server and Enterprise Developer.
Deep knowledge of legacy technologies including CICS, IMS, JCL, DB2, and SQL.
5-10 years Microsoft Technical Stack background.
Windows server administrator/troubleshooting background.
Proven experience supporting and stabilizing mission-critical production systems.
Strong troubleshooting skills across batch and online processing.
Experience leading or acting as a technical lead for application support and enhancements.
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts clearly.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Azure, cloud-hosted Micro Focus environments, or containerization.
Exposure to modernization strategies (re-hosting, refactoring, API enablement).
Experience with job scheduling tools (e.g., Redwood or equivalent).
Background in large enterprise environments with complex system integrations.
Key Competencies
Technical leadership and ownership mindset
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Production support excellence
Clear communication and stakeholder collaboration
Mentorship and team guidance