MAINFRAME DEVELOPER

Novalink Solutions LLC; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Part time

Job summary

Novalink Solutions LLC in Des Moines, IA seeks a skilled Mainframe Developer for a 6-month modernization project. You will design, develop, test, and support COBOL and JCL programs that enable data exchange between ICAR and the new EDEN system, collaborating with analysts, testers, and technical teams.

The role focuses on interface updates, data integrity, and transitioning from legacy data sources to modernized eligibility services, with responsibilities spanning analysis to deployment and

Qualifications

• Strong COBOL, JCL, and batch processingExperience with IDMS or comparable mainframe database technologies.
• Experience in data mapping, transformation logic, and interface design for mainframe systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, enhance, and maintain COBOL and JCL programs that process interface files between ICAR and EDEN.
• Modify file layouts, data mappings, and transformation logic per requirements.
• Support GDG management and VSAM datasets for evolving integration needs.
• Troubleshoot production interfaces and ensure data integrity across systems.
• Create technical documentation and runbooks for deployment and operation.

Skills

COBOL

JCL

IDMS

Batch processing

ADS/O

Data transformation

FTP/SFTP

CA7

Control-M

Job description

Des Moines, United States | Posted on 11/10/2026

• Assigned Recruiter(s) Satya Thotakura,Lalitha Dasari
• Number of Positions 1

Job Description

NOTE: This is a 6-month project.

The State is undertaking a modernization initiative to replace an aging eligibility platform with a new statewide eligibility system (EDEN). As part of this effort, the legacy Child Support Enforcement system (ICAR) must continue to exchange critical data with the new platform through a series of file-based interfaces and batch processes.

The Mainframe Developer will play a key role in supporting the integration and transition between the legacy child support system and the new eligibility platform. This position will focus on analysis, development, testing, deployment, and support of mainframe applications and interfaces that enable seamless data exchange during the modernization effort.

Position Summary

The Mainframe Developer will design, develop, modify, test, and support mainframe programs and batch processes that facilitate integration between the legacy Child Support Enforcement system (ICAR) and the new Eligibility Determination system (EDEN). The resource will work closely with business analysts, architects, testers, and technical teams to implement interface updates, maintain data integrity, and support the transition from legacy data sources to modernized eligibility services.

Key Responsibilities

Mainframe Application Development

• Develop, enhance, and maintain COBOL and JCL programs that process interface files between ICAR and EDEN.
• Modify file layouts, data mappings, transformation logic, and validation routines based on business and technical requirements.
• Enhance batch processing workflows, GDG structures, and VSAM datasets to support evolving integration requirements.
• Support modernization efforts by replacing legacy eligibility data sources with EDEN-derived data.
• Maintain and troubleshoot existing production processes and interfaces.

Technical Analysis and Design

• Translate business and functional requirements into technical design specifications.
• Analyze existing mainframe applications and integration points to determine impacts of system changes.
• Modify and support applications that interact with IDMS databases, including schema and subschema navigation.
• Perform detailed record-level and field-level analysis of inbound and outbound interfaces.
• Identify dependencies, integration touchpoints, and risks associated with parallel operation of legacy and modern systems.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, process flows, program specifications, and interface designs.

Testing and Quality Assurance

• Develop unit test scenarios and execute comprehensive testing of mainframe applications and batch jobs.
• Support system, integration, regression, and user acceptance testing activities.
• Investigate and resolve defects identified during testing cycles.
• Validate end-to-end data processing and file exchanges between systems.
• Ensure data quality, processing accuracy, and compliance with business requirements.

Deployment and Operational Support

• Create and maintain JCL, procedures (PROCs), scheduling definitions, and operational documentation.
• Support implementation, migration, and production deployment activities.
• Assist with cutover planning and execution during modernization milestones.
• Troubleshoot production incidents, file processing failures, and data discrepancies.
• Develop operational runbooks, monitoring procedures, and post-deployment support documentation.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with project managers, business analysts, developers, testers, and business stakeholders.
• Participate in design reviews, technical walkthroughs, sprint planning, and status meetings.
• Communicate technical risks, issues, dependencies, and recommendations proactively.
• Support knowledge transfer activities and contribute to project documentation.

Required Technical Skills

Mainframe Development

• JCL (Job Control Language)
• IDMS database development and support
  • Database navigation
  • ADS/O experience preferred
  • IDMS COBOL integration
• Batch processing development and support
• Flat file design and parsing
• Data transformation and interface mapping

Batch Processing and Infrastructure

• GDG management and dataset lifecycle administration
• FTP/SFTP processing and troubleshooting
• Scheduling tools such as:
  • CA7
  • Control-M

Integration and Analysis

• Legacy system modernization experience
• Multi-system data integration and interface support
• Technical specification interpretation
• Root cause analysis and troubleshooting
• Data mapping and transformation logic
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Required Qualifications

• Strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, and batch processing.
• Experience working with IDMS or comparable mainframe database technologies.