Senior Software Developer - Back End

Randstad Canada; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Canada seeks an experienced Software Developer – Back End based in Toronto for a 4-month hybrid contract role. The ideal candidate will have extensive PL/I and mainframe experience, contributing to mission-critical systems supporting Ontario's public infrastructure. This position offers hands-on involvement in impactful public sector initiatives and provides a collaborative work environment with opportunities for knowledge transfer.

Benefits

Hybrid work flexibility

Hands-on involvement in high-impact projects

Knowledge transfer opportunity

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience with PL/I and XML processing.
• Recent PL/I V4.5 or higher experience essential.
• Strong background in DB2 for z/OS and IMS DB integration.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and enhance PL/I code for critical mission systems.
• Design and test backend components for XML data processing.
• Collaborate with technical leads to ensure system performance.

Skills

PL/I

DB2

IMS DB

Mainframe Development

XML

Scripting for SFTP

Tools

File Aid

IBM File Manager

Endevor

Visual Studio

Harvest Source Control

Job description

Are you a Software Developer with deep expertise in PL/I and large-scale legacy systems? Our client is seeking a Software Developer – Back End with hands-on experience in mainframe application development using PL/I, DB2, and IMS DB. You will support mission-critical transaction systems, perform code analysis, develop new solutions, and ensure integration with mid-tier platforms.

This is a hybrid contract role based in Toronto , requiring 3 days per week on-site. The contract runs for approximately 4 months, with one potential extension (up to 93 days). You will be responsible for delivering robust backend logic while ensuring optimal system performance and reliability across Ontario’s large-scale legacy platforms.


Advantages
Hands-on involvement in high-impact public sector initiatives
️ Work on mission-critical legacy systems supporting millions
Collaborate with senior system architects and technical leads
Hybrid flexibility – mix of remote and on-site work
Knowledge transfer opportunity to public sector teams
️ Deep technical exposure to PL/I, DB2, IMS, and integration tools

Responsibilities
• Analyze existing logical and physical designs, providing documentation and technical recommendations
• Modify and enhance existing PL/I code for batch, online, and workstation applications
• Design, develop, and test backend components processing XML and integrating mid-tier services
• Perform QA testing, integration testing, and defect resolution
• Conduct JAD sessions and walkthroughs for technical specification sign-off
• Participate in planning, documentation, and stakeholder reporting
• Collaborate with DBA, technical coordinators, and other developers to meet project objectives
• Prepare unit test data, write test cases, and manage issue tracking
• Ensure use of mandated source control tools and coding standards
• Deliver knowledge transfer to internal teams and support long-term sustainment

Qualifications
Must Have:
• 5+ years of experience writing PL/I transactions processing XML input/output
• Recent experience (within last 5 years) with PL/I V4.5 or higher
• Strong hands-on experience with IMS DB V12+ using PLITDLI API
• DB2 for z/OS V11+ experience, including performance tuning and integration
• Expertise with z/OS V2.2+ operating systems ️
• Proficiency with File Aid V10.1+ or IBM File Manager V13.1+
• Experience in Endevor source control and debugging tools (IBM Debug, Abend Aid, Fault Analyzer)
• Experience scripting for SFTP in mainframe environments
• Familiarity with mainframe screen handling (MFS) and Windows screen handling tools (SCREENIO)


Nice to Have:
Experience with Fujitsu NetCOBOL V4 or higher
10+ years of end-to-end programming and analysis experience
Experience in IMS TM applications interacting with Windows clients
Experience with checkpoint/restart BMPs and DFSORT
Visual Studio 2008+ and Visual Studio Debugger
Experience working with Harvest Source Control V12.5+
️ Knowledge of Ontario's public sector standards and vehicle registration systems

Summary
This is a high-responsibility backend development role ideal for a seasoned software developer who thrives in structured environments. You will help modernize and maintain critical systems supporting Ontario’s public infrastructure while collaborating with diverse technical teams.
If you are interested in this role, please apply online at www.randstad.ca. Qualified candidates will be contacted.

Randstad Canada is committed to fostering a workforce reflective of all peoples of Canada. As a result, we are committed to developing and implementing strategies to increase the equity, diversity and inclusion within the workplace by examining our internal policies, practices, and systems throughout the entire lifecycle of our workforce, including its recruitment, retention and advancement for all employees. In addition to our deep commitment to respecting human rights, we are dedicated to positive actions to affect change to ensure everyone has full participation in the workforce free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise, especially equity-seeking groups who are usually underrepresented in Canada's workforce, including those who identify as women or non-binary/gender non-conforming; Indigenous or Aboriginal Peoples; persons with disabilities (visible or invisible) and; members of visible minorities, racialized groups and the LGBTQ2+ community.

Randstad Canada is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace for all its candidates and employees by supporting their accessibility and accommodation needs throughout the employment lifecycle. We ask that all job applications please identify any accommodation requirements by sending an email to [e-mail] to ensure their ability to fully participate in the interview process.