COBOL Developer

WorkScoop; Many (LA); On-site; USD 143,913 - 197,200; Full time

Job summary

WorkScoop is seeking an IT Specialist (APPSW) COBOL Developer for a Direct Hire with OPM, open to U.S. citizens. Location is Woodlawn, MD, with on-site work 75% of the time and telework allowed per agency policy.

You will architect, develop, and maintain high‑precision COBOL applications using CICS, JCL, DB2, VSAM and IDMS on an enterprise mainframe, collaborating with analysts and QA, documenting thoroughly, and participating in code reviews and modernization efforts.

Qualifications

• Experience designing, developing, and maintaining mainframe applications using COBOL, CICS, VSAM, and JCL.
• Support data integration and migration with DB2, SQL, and IDMS.
• Assist or lead architecture or modernization of legacy systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and maintain high-performance COBOL-based applications using COBOL, CICS, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and IDMS on an enterprise server platform.
• Optimize SQL queries and data management for fast access and reliability in DB2 databases.
• Implement and support batch processing jobs with scheduling and monitoring tools.

Skills

COBOL

CICS

JCL

DB2

VSAM

IDMS

SQL

TSQ

AI tools

Education

GS-13/GS-14 level experience

Mainframe experience

Tools

VSAM

DB2

Job description

Summary

IT Specialist (APPSW) COBOL Developer positions are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority, open to all U.S. citizens. Selections will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Under the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the 'Rule of Many' do not apply.

Overview

Location: Woodlawn, MD

Pay Scale & Grade: GS-14 to GS-15. Salary: $143,913 – $197,200 per year.

Work schedule: Full‑time. Employees required to be on site 75% of the duty time; telework eligible as determined by agency policy.

Travel required: No. Appointment type: Permanent. Security clearance: Not required.

Background check: Suitability/Fitness. Relocation expenses: Not reimbursed.

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and maintain high-performance business applications using modern COBOL, CICS, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and IDMS on an enterprise server platform.
• Optimize SQL queries and data management for lightning‑fast access and reliability in DB2 databases.
• Implement and support batch processing jobs, leveraging advanced job scheduling and monitoring tools.
• Engineer robust data storage and retrieval solutions using VSAM, ensuring integrity and speed.
• Utilize sophisticated file‑handling techniques for sequential, indexed, and relative files.
• Design and maintain data structures that support scalable, enterprise‑grade applications.
• Build and support online transaction processing (OLTP) systems using CICS and TSQ for real‑time, high‑volume transactions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve application issues to ensure maximum uptime and performance.
• Collaborate with business analysts, QA, and fellow developers to deliver innovative solutions.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including program specifications, flowcharts, and user guides.
• Participate in code reviews and uphold best practices for quality and security.
• Support application testing, deployment, and post‑implementation activities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to leverage AI‑driven tools and technologies to improve development efficiency, automate processes, and enhance application capabilities.
• Stay informed about advancements in AI and related technologies and recommend ways to incorporate them into SSA business systems.

Qualifications

• Attention to Detail – thorough and conscientious.
• Customer Service – works with clients and customers to assess needs, provide information, and resolve problems.
• Oral Communication – expresses information effectively, adapts to audience, delivers clear presentations.Problem Solving – identifies problems, evaluates alternatives, recommends solutions.
• Specialized experience at GS‑13 level (for GS‑14) or GS‑14 level (for GS‑15) designing, developing, and maintaining mainframe applications using COBOL, CICS, VSAM, and JCL; supporting data integration and migration with DB2, SQL, IDMS; and assisting or leading in the architecture or modernization of legacy systems.
• Experience preparing technical documentation and collaborating with stakeholders to support modernization initiatives.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Selective Service Registration, if applicable.
• Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required.
• Job offers contingent on fingerprinting and background/security investigation results.
• Selectees may be required to serve a 1‑year probationary period.
• Relocation expenses will not be paid.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date.

EEO Statement

Applicants will not be hired based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.