Mainframe Software Developer

Canadian Pacific Railway; Calgary; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail transport company is seeking a Mainframe Software Developer for a 12-month contract in Calgary, Alberta. The role involves delivering projects for mission-critical applications, requiring a strong background in Mainframe systems and programming. Ideal candidates will have significant software development experience, proficient in Cobol-DB2/IMS and JCL, with an emphasis on best practices in software development. Join a diverse team committed to safety and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience developing and supporting Mainframe systems.
• Proficient with various programming languages including Cobol-DB2/IMS and JCL.
• Strong understanding of SDLC processes and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, implement, maintain, and document system and application software.
• Diagnose, isolate, and resolve complex software issues.
• Review, modify, and test existing programming systems.

Skills

Cobol-DB2/IMS

JCL

Unit testing

SDLC understanding

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Mainframe Software Developer

Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here.

This is a 12 month fixed term contract with possible extensions.

Purpose of the Position

Drive business success by designing, developing, testing, implementing, and maintaining robust software solutions on Mainframe Computer Systems. Deliver projects within an SDLC framework, support mission‑critical applications, and foster best practices across the development team.

Position Accountabilities

• Analyze, implement, maintain, and document system and application software
• Diagnose, isolate, and resolve complex software issues; provide expert troubleshooting and problem fixing
• Review, modify, and test existing programming systems, ensuring reliable and efficient operation in large‑scale environments
• Lead needs analysis and requirement gathering for application development and implementation
• Ensure all delivered solutions align with business requirements and follow established SDLC methodologies
• Develop, code, and test new application programs and features; maintain thorough documentation of all development and revisions
• Share knowledge—coach developers on best practices and provide code reviews for quality assurance
• Participate in 24/7 on‑call support rotation to provide rapid response and resolution for business‑critical systems
• Monitor software health and performance, ensuring optimal application operation across the system lifecycle
• Contribute to post‑implementation reviews to foster continuous improvement

Position Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 3 years of hands‑on experience developing and supporting complex, integrated application systems for Mainframe systems
• Proficient with a variety of programming languages, including Cobol‑DB2/IMS, JCL and strong unit testing skills
• Strong understanding of SDLC processes and best practices

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Criminal history check
• Education verification
• Professional references

Becoming a Railroader

As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements.

Management Conductor Program

Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer.

Culture of Inclusion

For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provided, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).