Senior Mainframe Test Analyst

Cognizant; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant in Toronto, ON is seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe Test Analyst to lead testing of mission-critical mainframe systems and guide test strategy, design, and execution across SIT, UAT, and batch testing.

You will validate COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, and VSAM, drive data validation, and mentor junior testers while collaborating with Business Analysts, Developers, and QA leads to ensure high-quality releases in a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of software testing experience.
• 5+ years of dedicated Mainframe testing experience.
• Strong experience with Banking, Wealth Management, Insurance, Pension, Retail, or Financial Services applications.
• Experience in Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid delivery methodologies.
• Hands-on experience in defect triage, root cause analysis, and test estimation.
• Experience with Mainframe modernization or cloud migration programs.
• Experience in automation integration within Mainframe testing environments.
• Ability to work independently and lead testing workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirements and design comprehensive test strategies and plans.
• Design and execute test scenarios, test cases, and scripts for Mainframe apps.
• Perform Functional, SIT, E2E, Regression, UAT, and Batch testing.
• Validate COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, and interfaces.
• Conduct data validation and reconciliation using SQL, DB2, VSAM.
• Log, track, and manage defects using JIRA, HP ALM, or Quality Center.
• Mentor junior testers and review test deliverables.
• Provide status, risk assessments, and quality metrics to leadership.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder collaboration

Test strategy design

Tools

JIRA

TSO/ISPF

File-AID

SQL Tools

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe Test Analyst with deep expertise in Mainframe applications and testing methodologies. The candidate will be responsible for planning, designing, executing, and managing testing activities for mission-critical Mainframe systems. The role requires strong knowledge of Mainframe technologies, testing processes, defect management, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure high-quality software delivery.

In this role, you will

• Analyze business requirements, functional specifications, and technical design documents to develop comprehensive test strategies and test plans.
• Design and execute test scenarios, test cases, and test scripts for Mainframe applications.
• Perform Functional, System Integration (SIT), End-to-End (E2E), Regression, UAT, and Batch testing.
• Validate Mainframe batch processing jobs, job schedules, and interfaces using JCL.
• Perform database validation and data reconciliation activities using DB2, VSAM, and SQL queries.
• Analyze and troubleshoot issues related to COBOL programs, CICS transactions, batch jobs, and file processing.
• Execute source-to-target data migration and conversion testing activities.
• Log, track, prioritize, and manage defects throughout the defect lifecycle using tools such as JIRA, HP ALM, or Quality Center.
• Collaborate with Business Analysts, Developers, Architects, and Business Users to clarify requirements and resolve issues.
• Support release management, production validation, and post-implementation verification activities.
• Review test deliverables and mentor junior testers on Mainframe testing best practices.
• Provide regular status reports, risk assessments, and quality metrics to project leadership.

Work model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Toronto, ON. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

Note:

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

Mainframe Technologies

• COBOL
• JCL
• CICS
• DB2
• VSAM
• IMS (preferred)
• File-AID
• Endevor/Changeman
• Control-M or equivalent scheduling tools

Testing Skills

• Functional Testing
• System Integration Testing (SIT)
• Regression Testing
• End-to-End Testing
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
• Batch Testing
• Data Validation & Reconciliation
• Data Migration Testing
• Interface Testing

Tools

• JIRA
• TSO/ISPF
• File-AID
• SQL Tools

Required Experience

• 7+ years of software testing experience.
• 5+ years of dedicated Mainframe testing experience.
• Strong experience with Banking, Wealth Management, Insurance, Pension, Retail, or Financial Services applications.
• Experience in Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid delivery methodologies.
• Hands-on experience in defect triage, root cause analysis, and test estimation.
• Experience with Mainframe modernization or cloud migration programs.
• Experience in automation integration within Mainframe testing environments.
• Ability to work independently and lead testing workstreams.

Typical Roles in a Wealth Management / Insurance Program

• Validate policy, claims, retirement, pension, or wealth transactions processed through Mainframe systems.
• Perform batch cycle validation and financial reconciliation.
• Verify upstream and downstream integrations between Mainframe and distributed applications.
• Ensure regulatory and audit compliance requirements are adequately tested.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Total compensation

We regularly assess market data to ensure we offer a competitive compensation package for our associates. The base salary for this position ranges between CAD 70,000 – 90,000 per year. Where the successful candidate may fall within the range depends on relevant education, work and/or management experience and other business-related and job-necessary qualifications. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual performance-based bonus, as well as benefits that support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.