R&D Software Engineer

Jobtailor; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks an experienced Mainframe security and development expert to design and implement robust z/OS solutions. You will work on encryption, cryptography, and secure communications while collaborating with product teams and customers to gather requirements.

You will contribute to architecture, write clean code, and participate in Agile processes, ensuring quality and security across enterprise mainframe systems.

Qualifications

• Proven mainframe knowledge and hands-on expertise with z/OS and related security tooling.
• Deep encryption knowledge including TLS/SSL, AES, RSA, ECC, hashing, and PKI for enterprise mainframes.
• Experience with security models and mainframe access control (ACF2, Top Secret, RACF).
• Familiarity with cryptographic hardware and IBM Crypto Express coprocessors.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality mainframe software designs and architectures.
• Produce, test, and debug software solutions on z/OS environments.
• Write clean, well-documented code following best practices and unit testing.
• Participate in Agile activities and code reviews.
• Interact with product management and customers on requirements and security considerations.

Skills

Mainframe Knowledge

IBM Assembler

Metal C

z/OS Security

Cryptography

Java

COBOL

ISPF

REXX

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

12+ years related experience

Master's degree in Engineering

PhD

Tools

Endevor

SMP/E

TSO/ISPF

Unix/USS

z/OSMF

ICryptography Tools

Job description

• Develop high-quality software design and architecture
• Produce, test, and debug software solutions
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code according to best practices and coding standards
• Participate in code reviews and continuous improvement of development processes
• Participate in Agile activities including iteration planning, refinement, and sprint reviews
• Commit to delivering stories and tasks within the sprint
• Interact with customers regarding requirements, support issues, education, demonstrations, thought leadership, and feedback
• Interact technically with product management and customers
• Coordinate with management and internal teams
• Automate tasks through appropriate tools and scripting
• Perform validation and verification testing
• Ensure software is up to date with current technologies
• Work across domain areas
• Assist more junior staff members
• Coordinate work with third parties, vendors, or trade customers
• Plan activities with other team members
• Provide regular updates to the manager on project/account status

Requirements

• Proven Mainframe knowledge and skills
• z/OS Operating system familiarity
• Proficiency in IBM Assembler and Metal C programming languages
• Strong understanding of security protocols and Mainframe Security Managers (ACF2, Top Secret, and RACF)
• Proficiency in z/OS Security & Cryptography, including IC...
• Knowledge of IBM Crypto Express (CEX) coprocessors and cryptographic hardware architecture on zSystems
• Experience with IBM Z Java cryptographic service providers
• Deep understanding of encryption, including TLS/SSL, AES, RSA, ECC, hashing algorithms, and PKI for enterprise mainframes
• Proficiency managing master keys, operational keys, and digital certificates using ACF2, Top Secret or RACF
• Strong understanding of PQC encryption algorithms and technologies
• Interactive debugging tool (XDC) and dump reading experience
• Attention to detail and quality-first mindset following coding best practices and unit testing
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Solid knowledge of Unix/USS, SMP/E, z/OSMF, Endevor, reading system dumps, and TSO/ISPF
• Additional experience or familiarity with Java, COBOL, ISPF, REXX, or JCL
• Experience with Blackduck, Coverity, and zACS tools
• Experience with cybersecurity and compliance-related topics
• Knowledge of API security best practices, including authentication and authorization mechanisms
• Knowledge of API testing and documentation tools/frameworks such as Bruno or Swagger
• Source control systems experience, including Endevor
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 12+ years of related experience, or Master's degree in Engineering and 10+ years of related experience, or PhD and 7+ years of related experience
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in Mainframe development, including proficiency in IBM Assembler, Metal C, and z/OS Security & Cryptography. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential for producing high-quality software solutions and ensuring compliance with security protocols.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Mainframe Knowledge
• IBM Assembler Programming
• Z/OS Security & Cryptography
• Encryption Technologies
• Agile Development

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• IBM Assembler
• Metal C
• Z/OS Operating System
• Encryption Algorithms
• API Security Best Practices
• Interactive Debugging (XDC)
• Unix/USS
• SMP/E
• Endevor
• TSO/ISPF

Soft Skills

• Analytical Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Attention to Detail

Industry Keywords

• Mainframe Security Managers
• ACF2
• Top Secret
• RACF
• PQC Encryption Algorithms
• Cybersecurity
• Compliance
• Digital Certificates
• Master Keys
• Operational Keys

Tools & Technologies

• Blackduck
• Coverity
• ZACS
• Bruno
• Swagger