Mainframe (Cobol, PL-1) Lead Developer

Wipro Technologies; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Leave options

Job summary

Wipro Limited in Wisconsin is seeking a Mainframe Lead Developer with 10-15 years of experience in mainframe and strong PL/I and COBOL expertise. This role combines hands-on coding with technical leadership and onsite/offshore coordination.

Responsibilities include design review, batch processing optimization, production support, and driving modernization initiatives. Must have experience with COBOL, PL/I, JCL, CICS, and IBM DB2.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years in Mainframe development with focus on PL/I and COBOL maintenance.
• 3+ years in Lead/Onsite role.
• Experience in Agile/Scrum environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design sessions and translate requirements into technical specs.
• Review code/architecture for performance and standards.
• Drive modernization: APIs, cloud integration, data migration.
• Manage offshore development tasks and timely handovers.

Skills

PL/I

COBOL

JCL

CICS

CA-7/Control-M

DB2

VSAM

IMS DB/DC

SyncSort

SPUFI

Changeman/Endevor

File-Aid

Xpediter/IBM Debugger

IBM MQ

Changeman ZDD

Mainframe-to-Cloud data streaming

Java

Springboot

Microservices

Tools

Mainframe tools

Job description

Job Title: Mainframe (Cobol, PL-1) Lead Developer

State/Province: Wisconsin

Posting Start Date: 9/18/26

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients’ most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our holistic portfolio of capabilities in consulting, design, engineering, and operations, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions and build future-ready, sustainable businesses. With over 230,000 employees and business partners across 65 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our customers, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world. For additional information, visit us at www.wipro.com.

Job Description

Role Purpose

The purpose of this role is to develop and test software modules based on client requirements and prepare project documentation while coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure quality delivery.

Areas of responsibility

Gathering of requirements-Assist in conducting workshops and discussions with client stakeholders to gather business process requirements.

Coding and Configuration-Develop and deliver code for assigned modules, in alignment with client requirements ensuring proper integration with system components.

Testing and Trial Runs-Execute testing for assigned modules, validate functionality across required interactions, and participate in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) sessions.

Implementation-Participate in implementation of software application and its integration with other systems to ensure stability.

Maintain Documentation-Prepare detailed reports and documentation on project specifications, activities, and status, while presenting information using flowcharts, layouts, diagrams, code comments, and clear, well-structured code.

Stakeholder Collaboration-Collaborate with cross functional teams to understand requirements, support development activities, check system compatibility, and ensure solutions meet expected standards.

The Mainframe Lead Developer in b/w 10-15 years of experience will serve as the primary technical expert and liaison between the client stakeholders and the offshore development team. This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise in legacy systems, hands‑on programming in COBOL and PL/I, and strong leadership skills to guide application development, maintenance, and production support.

Core Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Lead design sessions to translate business requirements into robust technical specifications.
• Review code and architecture to ensure alignment with client standards and performance optimization.
• Drive application modernization initiatives, including APIs, cloud integration, or data migration.
• Resolve complex technical blockers in high-volume batch processing and online transactions.

Onsite-Offshore Coordination

• Act as the primary point of contact for client product owners and business analysts.
• Gather and clarify requirements before converting them into actionable tasks for the team.
• Manage daily sprint tasks and deliverables for the offshore development team.
• Ensure seamless handover of support tickets and development items across time zones.

Development & Production Support

• Write and maintain clean code for critical system modules, specifically targeting PL/I and COBOL structures.
• Oversee production deployments and provide technical validation during go‑live windows.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for critical production incidents and system outages.
• Tune performance of long-running batch jobs, PL/I routines, and high-CPU consuming DB2 queries.

Must have Technical Skills

• Core Languages: PL/I, COBOL, JCL, CICS, and CA-7 / Control‑M.
• Database Systems: DB2, VSAM, and IMS DB/DC.
• Tools & Utilities: SyncSort, SPUFI, Changeman / Endevor, File‑Aid, and Xpediter / IBM Debugger.
• Modern Integration: Experience with IBM MQ, Changeman ZDD, or Mainframe-to-Cloud data streaming.

Good To have

• Java, Springboot, Microservices

Required Soft Skills & Experience

• Experience: 10-15 years in Mainframe development with a strong focus on PL/I application maintenance, and 3+ years in a Lead/Onsite role.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills to communicate technical issues to non-technical business clients.
• Methodologies: Strong experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.

Mandatory Skills: Mainframe.Experience: 3-5 Years.

The expected compensation for this role ranges from $45,000 to $110,000 .Final compensation will depend on various factors, including your geographical location, minimum wage obligations, skills, and relevant experience. Based on the position, the role is also eligible for Wipro's standard benefits including a full range of medical and dental benefits options, disability insurance, paid time off (inclusive of sick leave), other paid and unpaid leave options.

Applicants are advised that employment in some roles may be conditioned on successful completion of a post-offer drug screening, subject to applicable state law.

Wipro provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applications from veterans and people with disabilities are explicitly welcome.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, caste, creed, religion, gender, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, political orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Wipro is committed to creating an accessible, supportive, and inclusive workplace. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to all applicants including persons with disabilities, throughout the recruitment and selection process. Accommodations must be communicated in advance of the application, where possible, and will be reviewed on an individual basis. Wipro provides equal opportunities to all and values diversity.