Lead Core Systems Software Engineer

MetLif; Kuala Lumpur; Hybrid; MYR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

MetLife is seeking a Lead Core Systems Software Engineer to develop and maintain insurance systems on mainframe platforms. You will drive modernization, design and operate across Japan, Malaysia and India, improving efficiency through AI-assisted development and automation.

This role blends hands-on coding with leadership and strategic delivery in a regulated financial context. You'll influence architecture, mentor the team, and ensure secure, compliant operations while delivering high-quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 10+ years of software development with mainframe exposure (COBOL, JCL, DB2).
• 2+ years of leading teams preferred.
• Experience integrating mainframe with modern open standards platforms.
• Experience in regulated financial industry desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain mainframe applications.
• Improve performance of batch and online processing and handle incidents.
• Lead, mentor, and support team members and coordinate delivery.
• Apply AI-assisted tools to automate testing, documentation, and troubleshooting.
• Ensure security, architecture, and quality standards are met.
• Coordinate priorities and communicate progress to stakeholders.

Skills

Mainframe expertise

COBOL

JCL

DB2

AI-assisted development

Problem solving

Leadership

Agile

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Mainframe tools

Open standards integrations

Job description

Working Schedule

Full-Time

Work Arrangement

Hybrid

Relocation Assistance Available

No

Posted Date

16-Oct-2026

Job ID

21209

Description and Requirements

Lead Core Systems Software Engineer

Role Overview

MetLife is seeking a Lead Core Systems Software Engineer responsible for developing and maintaining insurance business systems built on mainframe platforms.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring stable operations of existing systems while driving new product development and modernization of development environments and processes.
You will be engaged in design, development, and operations based on business requirements and interacting closely with delivery teams across Japan, Malaysia and India. This is an opportunity to be involved in the modernization of critical platforms that will positively impact the lives of millions.

Key Responsibilities

• Leverage AI-assisted development tools to improve code quality, automate testing, accelerate documentation, and support troubleshooting activities
• Identify and apply AI-driven opportunities to enhance modernization initiatives, knowledge discovery, system analysis, and operational efficiency
• Design, develop, test, and maintain mainframe applications
• Analyse and design to translate business requirements into system specifications
• Improve performance of batch and online processing, handle incidents, and perform root cause analysis
• Manage application changes, create release plans, and prepare operational manuals
• Conduct technical evaluations and implementations for modernization initiatives (e.g., development support tools, test automation, CI/CD)
• Ensure design and operations comply with security and regulatory requirements
• Lead, mentor, and support team members while fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical direction, review designs and code, and ensure adherence to architecture, security, and quality standards
• Coordinate priorities, manage delivery risks and dependencies, and communicate progress, issues, and decisions to stakeholders

Candidate Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Experience:

• 10+ years of software development experience with preference given to candidates with prior exposure to mainframe environment (COBOL, JCL, DB2, etc.)
• 2+ years of experience leading teams preferred.
• Experience in integrating mainframe solutions with modern open standards platforms
• Experience in system development within companies operating in the regulated financial industry space desirable.

Skills:

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and collaboration skills
• Expertise in mainframe technologies (COBOL, JCL, VSAM, DB2) desirable
• Design and tuning of batch and online processing
• Understanding and practical experience in Agile development preferred
• Practical experience using AI-assisted development tools to improve coding, testing, documentation, and troubleshooting productivity
• Ability to evaluate and apply AI solutions for test automation, code analysis, knowledge discovery, and modernization support.

Language:

• Business-level Japanese optional

About MetLife

Recognized on Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and Fortune World's 25 Best Workplaces™, MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world's leading financial services companies; providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to individual and institutional customers. With operations in more than 40 markets, we hold leading positions in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. As part of our New Frontier strategy, MetLife is building an AI-enabled, people-centered future. We're looking for people who bring curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset as we use AI to enhance how we serve customers, support communities, and evolve the way work gets done. At MetLife, AI is a responsible partner that supports human judgment, creativity, and continuous improvement while helping us build trust, inclusion, and long-term value. Our purpose is simple - to help our colleagues, customers, communities, and the world at large create a more confident future. United by purpose and guided by our core values - Win Together, Do the Right Thing, Deliver Impact Over Activity, and Think Ahead - we're inspired to transform the next century in financial services. At MetLife, it's #AllTogetherPossible .Join us!