Mainframe Modernization Lead

Accenture PLC; Kirkland (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Accenture plc is seeking a seasoned Mainframe Specialist to anchor modernization programs in the United States. You will provide hands-on leadership across COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF, guiding design, development, and modernization efforts.

The role offers opportunities to mentor junior staff, shape practice roadmaps, and stay ahead of industry trends, including cloud integration. Up to 100% travel may be required depending on client engagements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years hands-on mainframe development experience in COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF.
• Minimum 3+ years leading or delivering mainframe modernization initiatives with a demonstrable track record of delivery.
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent minimum 12 years’ work experience. (Associate’s Degree requires minimum 6 years’ work experience.)

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject-matter expert across core mainframe technologies, providing hands-on guidance to project teams and clients.
• Lead the design, development, and modernization of mainframe applications, enforcing best practices and architectural standards.
• Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies—covering rehosting, refactoring, re-platforming, and reengineering approaches.
• Oversee the implementation of approved modernization roadmaps, from inception through go-live.
• Partner with cross-functional teams—architects, developers, QA, and business analysts to gather requirements, analyze business needs, and deliver high-quality solutions.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for modernization investments.
• Maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, providing expert guidance on strategy, risk, and solution design.
• Mentor and coach junior team members, cultivating their mainframe and modernization skills.
• Define and continuously refine the practice roadmap, aligning modernization initiatives with organizational goals.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging mainframe technologies, incorporating new capabilities into the practice.

Skills

COBOL

JCL

VSAM

CICS

DB2

Assembler

REXX

SPUFI

TSO/ISPF

RACF

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent minimum 12 years’ work experience

Job description

Accenture plc is seeking a seasoned Mainframe Specialist to anchor modernization programs in the United States. You will provide hands-on leadership across COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF, guiding design, development, and modernization efforts.

The role offers opportunities to mentor junior staff, shape practice roadmaps, and stay ahead of industry trends, including cloud integration. Up to 100% travel may be required depending on client engagements.