Mainframe Functional QA

Astra-North Infoteck Inc. ~ Conquering today’s challenges, achieving tomorrow’s vision!; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Agile work environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading technology company in Toronto seeks a Mainframe Functional QA to ensure quality and reliability in mainframe applications. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of QE testing experience, with a focus on batch processing and backend testing. Responsibilities include developing test plans, executing various testing methodologies, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Strong skills in JCL, COBOL, and SQL are essential, as well as experience with test management tools. Join us to enhance our QA processes and deliver exceptional solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Quality Engineering testing experience.
• Minimum of 3 years in mainframe application testing in an Agile methodology.
• Strong hands-on experience with JCL and COBOL.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and maintain test plans for mainframe applications.
• Perform functional, system, integration, and regression testing.
• Validate batch jobs and analyze job logs.

Skills

Quality Engineering testing experience

Mainframe application testing

JCL experience

COBOL knowledge

SQL proficiency

Analytical skills

Test management tools

Documentation skills

Debugging skills

Tools

JIRA

qTest

Job description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Mainframe Functional QA with extensive experience in testing mainframe applications and batch processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mainframe testing methodologies, backend testing, and database validation, with a focus on ensuring the quality and reliability of complex systems. This role requires collaboration with cross‑functional teams in an Agile environment to deliver high‑quality solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, execute, and maintain test plans, test cases, and test scripts for mainframe applications and batch processes.
• Perform functional, system, integration, and regression testing for mainframe components, ensuring comprehensive test coverage.
• Conduct testing for complex PeopleSoft and mainframe systems, including backend testing and batch execution.
• Validate batch jobs, workflows, and dependencies, and analyze job logs to identify and resolve errors.
• Navigate and understand JCLs, PROCs, and COBOL programs, and utilize TSO and ISPF screens for testing and debugging.
• Perform data validation across mainframe datasets (DB2, Oracle) and downstream systems, ensuring data integrity.
• Write and execute SQL queries (e.g., SELECT, JOIN, aggregate functions) for database validation.
• Collaborate with development, operations, and business teams to clarify requirements and ensure test coverage.
• Document test evidence, maintain QA artifacts, and ensure compliance with organizational QA standards.
• Track and report testing progress, risks, and issues to project stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement of QA processes and testing practices.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 5+ years of Quality Engineering (QE) testing experience, with a minimum of 3 years in mainframe application testing in an Agile methodology.
• Strong hands‑on experience with JCL, COBOL, and batch job execution.
• Proficiency in navigating JCLs, PROCs, and COBOL programs, and using TSO and ISPF screens.
• Ability to analyze job logs, identify errors, and implement fixes.
• Basic knowledge of SQL queries (e.g., SELECT, JOIN, aggregate functions) and familiarity with Oracle and DB2 databases.
• Proficient in test management tools such as JIRA and qTest.
• Experience in writing test plans and test cases based on system changes and impacted components.
• Strong analytical, debugging, and root‑cause analysis skills.
• Excellent documentation skills and familiarity with QA processes and defect management tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the Banking/Finance domain, with knowledge of General Ledger (GL) systems and processes.
• Familiarity with API testing and integrated system validation.
• Exposure to test automation frameworks for mainframe environments.
• Experience with Agile or DevOps delivery models.

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with technical and business stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively resolve issues.
• A quality‑focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high standards.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Detail‑oriented with a strong focus on quality assurance.
• Comfortable managing testing activities in complex legacy environments.
• Proactive and able to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong communicator who can bridge the gap between technical and business teams.