Hybrid Contract Mainframe Modernization Architect COBOL/zOS

Aether Talent solutions; Chicago, Tampa (IL, FL); Hybrid; USD 152,000 - 262,000; Full time

Job summary

Aether Talent Solutions is seeking a COBOL Architect with 12+ years of mainframe experience to lead enterprise modernization initiatives. The role is hybrid in Chicago, IL or Tampa, FL, supporting W2 or C2C arrangements. You will design, modernize, and optimize COBOL environments and collaborate with executives to drive transformation.

Ideal candidates bring deep COBOL, z/OS, JCL, CICS, VSAM, and DB2 expertise, plus cloud integration and proven leadership in client-facing consulting settings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12+ years of professional hands-on software development experience with COBOL and mainframe technologies.
• Minimum 5+ years in Solution and Application Architecture roles.
• Deep expertise across COBOL, z/OS, JCL, CICS, VSAM, and DB2.
• Contract availability in hybrid locations (Chicago, IL / Tampa, FL) with W2/C2C options.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-scale mainframe architecture and modernization initiatives.
• Design mainframe-to-cloud migration strategies and governance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and executives to deliver transformations.
• Establish standards, security, and high-availability practices for z/OS environments.
• Provide senior architectural guidance and mentorship in a client-facing setting.

Skills

COBOL

z/OS

JCL

CICS

VSAM

DB2

Mainframe Architecture

Enterprise modernization

Cloud integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

IBM MQ

z/OS Connect

REST APIs

CI/CD tools

DevOps practices

Job description

Aether Talent Solutions is seeking a COBOL Architect with 12+ years of mainframe experience to lead enterprise modernization initiatives. The role is hybrid in Chicago, IL or Tampa, FL, supporting W2 or C2C arrangements. You will design, modernize, and optimize COBOL environments and collaborate with executives to drive transformation.

Ideal candidates bring deep COBOL, z/OS, JCL, CICS, VSAM, and DB2 expertise, plus cloud integration and proven leadership in client-facing consulting settings.