Lead Developer

Business Needs Inc; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad seeks an experienced Lead Developer for a Newark, NJ role supporting Ports America. You will own AS400 core, manage WebSphere middleware, and modernize EDI pipelines while providing SME-level expertise on critical logistics systems.

Responsibilities include reverse-engineering legacy code, mapping business rules, and delivering REST/SOAP interfaces to connect with modern port operations tools. Strong RPG, EDI, and WebSphere skills required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on IBM i (AS400/iSeries) development experience.
• Proficiency in RPG IV, RPGLE, Free-Format RPG, and legacy RPGs.
• Hands-on experience configuring IBM WebSphere middleware with IBM i apps.
• Experience with CL/CLLE, DB2 for i, SQL/400, and Embedded SQL.
• Strong knowledge of ANSI X12 and EDIFACT EDI standards and transports.
• Ability to reverse-engineer legacy applications and map business logic.

Responsibilities

• Reverse-engineer RPG/CL programs and DB2 tables to map business rules and data structures.
• Maintain, configure, and expand WebSphere middleware for automated EDI communications.
• Develop and update EDI data maps for key transactions (210,214,301,310,322,850/856).
• Lead AS400 development, modernize EDI pipelines, and optimize system performance.
• Provide tier-3 support for port/logistics ecosystem and fix EDI issues.
• Document architecture, schemas, and WebSphere routing to reduce single points of failure.

Skills

IBM i / AS400

RPG Mastery

EDI Protocols

Legacy Code Forensics

System Architecture

Middleware Integration

Tools

WebSphere MQ

WebSphere Integration Bus

B2B Integrations

DB2 for i

SQL/400

CL/CLLE

Job description

Title: Lead Developer

Location: Newark, NJ

Mid Client: Randstad

End Client: Ports America

*All candidates selected for an interview are required to complete our mandatory identity verification process.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced AS400 / IBM i Developer with WebSphere EDI expertise to take full operational ownership of our homegrown port and logistics management platform. Over the years, our proprietary IBM i core has evolved alongside IBM WebSphere to manage critical, real-time port operations-including container tracking, terminal yard management, dispatching, and automated B2B data exchange.

In this role, you will perform code forensics on our custom legacy codebase, map out existing WebSphere middleware integration channels, and transition into our primary Subject Matter Expert (SME). Once onboarded, you will lead future AS400 development, modernize EDI data pipelines, optimize system performance, and provide tier-3 support for our core port/logistics ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• System Discovery & Code Forensics: Reverse-engineer homegrown RPG/CL programs and DB2 tables to map business rules, data structures, and custom workflows.
• WebSphere & EDI Integration Management: Maintain, configure, and expand IBM WebSphere middleware (WebSphere MQ / Integration Bus / B2B) to manage automated EDI communications with shipping lines, customs agencies, rail providers, and trucking fleets.
• EDI Data Mapping & Translation: Develop and update maps for core maritime/logistics EDI transaction sets-including 210 (Invoice), 214 (Transportation Status), 301 (Booking Confirmation), 310 (Ocean Manifest), 322 (Terminal Operations), and 850/856 (PO / ASN).
• Core Maintenance & Support: Serve as the primary developer responsible for system stability, troubleshooting failed EDI transmissions/translations, resolving spool/batch job issues, and applying emergency bug fixes.
• System Modernization & APIs: Design and implement REST/SOAP APIs, WebSphere messaging channels, and database connectors to seamlessly link the AS400 core with modern Web/SaaS port operations tools.
• Documentation & Knowledge Transfer: Document undocumented business logic, system architecture, database schemas, and WebSphere routing paths to eliminate single-point-of-failure risks.

Qualifications & Technical Skills

Required:

• IBM i / AS400 Proficiency: 5+ years of hands-on experience in IBM i (AS400/iSeries) development environments.
• RPG Mastery: Deep proficiency in RPG IV, RPGLE, Free-Format RPG, and legacy RPG III / RPG II code.
• WebSphere & Middleware: Hands-on experience configuring and integrating IBM WebSphere (MQ, Integration Bus/App Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway) with IBM i applications.
• System Tools: Expertise in CL/CLLE (Control Language), DB2 for i, SQL/400, and Embedded SQL.
• EDI Protocols: Strong working knowledge of ANSI X12 and EDIFACT standards, translation mapping, and transport protocols (AS2, FTP/SFTP, WebSphere MQ).
• Legacy Code Forensics: Proven ability to dive into complex, undocumented, homegrown legacy applications and reverse-engineer existing business logic.

Preferred but not necessary:

• Domain Experience: Prior background in port operations, container terminals, freight forwarding, warehousing, or transportation management systems (TMS).
• Modernization Background: Experience with web technologies (PHP, Python, Node.js) or IBM i web-enablement tools (e.g., Profound UI, Fresche/Looksoftware).

Key Traits for Success

• Self-Driven Investigator: You enjoy the challenge of solving puzzles-tracing job streams, analyzing spool queues, and deciphering legacy logic without needing step-by-step documentation.
• Ownership Mindset: You take pride in keeping high-volume, mission-critical logistics systems and EDI pipelines running smoothly around the clock.
• Bridge Builder: You can bridge the gap between deep technical AS400/WebSphere architecture and the non-technical needs of operational port managers.