Mainframe Lead

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation; Chennai, Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation seeks a Lead Developer Mainframe with strong MF IMS System DBA, DB2, z/VSE JCL, and COBOL Batch Transformation expertise. You will lead modernization efforts for enterprise mainframe apps, ensuring high availability, security, and performance in complex production environments.

The role requires leadership capabilities and hands-on experience in IMS, DB2, JCL, and COBOL batch processes, with a focus on governance, release planning, and cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in CS/IT/Engineering or related field.
• 6 to 10 years of experience in Mainframe technologies.
• Experience with enterprise-scale mission-critical applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end IMS database administration activities.
• Manage and optimize DB2 databases for high performance and reliability.
• Drive COBOL batch transformation and modernization initiatives.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

MF IMS System DBA

IBM DB2 DBA

z/VSE JCL

COBOL Batch

Job description

Lead Developer Mainframe (IMS DBA / DB2 / z/VSE JCL / COBOL)

We are seeking an experienced Lead Developer with strong expertise in MF IMS System DBA, DB2, z/VSE JCL, and COBOL Batch Transformation. The ideal candidate will lead modernization initiatives for enterprise-critical mainframe applications, ensuring high availability, performance, security, and operational efficiency. This role requires deep technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and experience working in complex production environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design, development, and enhancement of IMS database administration activities.
• Manage and optimize DB2 databases to ensure high performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Drive COBOL batch transformation and modernization initiatives while maintaining functional integrity.
• Design, configure, schedule, and support z/VSE JCL job streams and batch processing workloads.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex production issues across IMS, DB2, JCL, and COBOL environments.
• Conduct code reviews and enforce development standards, security guidelines, and best practices.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders and technical teams to translate requirements into robust technical solutions.
• Manage environment readiness, deployment planning, data refreshes, and release coordination activities.
• Continuously improve monitoring, alerting, performance tuning, and operational support processes.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, operational procedures, and system architecture details.
• Support data capture, validation, and screening processes to enhance data quality and business reporting.
• Mentor junior developers and support teams on mainframe technologies and operational excellence.
• Ensure adherence to organizational governance, compliance, audit, and change management policies.

Required Technical Skills

Primary Skills

• MF IMS System Database Administration (IMS DBA)
• IBM DB2 Database Administration & Performance Tuning
• z/VSE JCL Development and Job Scheduling
• COBOL Batch Programming and Transformation
• Mainframe Production Support
• Database Design and Optimization
• Incident Management and Root Cause Analysis
• Performance Monitoring and Tuning

Secondary Skills

• Data Capture and Screening Processes
• Release and Environment Management
• Configuration and Change Management
• Mainframe Modernization Initiatives
• Documentation and Governance Compliance

Desired Candidate Profile

• Strong hands-on experience in IMS Database Administration, including schema management, utilities, and performance tuning.
• Expertise in DB2 database design, SQL optimization, and high-volume transaction processing environments.
• Extensive knowledge of z/VSE JCL scripting, batch job orchestration, scheduling, restart, and recovery strategies.
• Advanced COBOL development experience with batch processing and legacy modernization projects.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex production issues and implement sustainable solutions.
• Experience working in enterprise-scale environments supporting mission-critical applications.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to mentor team members and lead technical discussions.
• Experience with hybrid work environments and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 6 to 10 years of relevant experience in Mainframe technologies.
• Experience supporting large-scale enterprise applications and critical business systems.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Mentoring
• Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking
• Mainframe Modernization
• Production Support Excellence
• Performance Optimization
• Release & Change Management
• Stakeholder Communication
• Documentation & Compliance Management

Preferred Industry Experience

• Banking & Financial Services
• Insurance
• Healthcare
• Large Enterprise IT Services
• Manufacturing or Global MNC Environments