Mainframe Specialist

Accenture PLC; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Accenture PLC in the United States (New Jersey) is seeking an experienced Mainframe Specialist or Associate Manager to lead modernization programs. The role requires deep expertise in COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, and related mainframe technologies; travel up to 100% may be required based on client engagements.

The candidate will mentor teams, drive modernization roadmaps, and collaborate with architects, developers, QA, and business analysts to deliver high-impact solutions.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on mainframe development experience in COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership in design, development, and modernization of mainframe applications.
• Lead modernization initiatives across rehosting, refactoring, re-platforming, and reengineering strategies.
• Collaborate with architects, developers, QA and business analysts to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Mentor junior staff and help shape the practice roadmap and modernization capabilities.

Skills

COBOL

JCL

VSAM

CICS

DB2

Assembler

REXX

SPUFI

TSO/ISPF

RACF

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

SPUFI

TSO/ISPF

RACF

Job description

About The Role

Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to join our Mainframe Modernization practice and serve as a technical anchor for high-impact transformation programs. Depending on experience, this role may be filled at the Mainframe Specialist or Associate Manager level.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• 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.

Collaboration & Delivery

• 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.

People & Practice Development

• 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.

This role may require up to 100% travel based on client engagement requirements.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on mainframe development experience in one or more of: COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF.
• Minimum 3+ years leading or executing 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.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications in mainframe technologies (e.g., IBM Certified) and project management (e.g., PMP, SAFe).
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills—proven ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex legacy environments and craft innovative, pragmatic modernization solutions.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) as modernization targets.

Compensation

Compensation at Accenture varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Accenture provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired as set forth below. We anticipate this job posting will be posted until 12/04/2026. Accenture offers a market competitive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage, a