Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL / DB2)

Cognizant; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 55,350 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus PTO

401(k) plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL/DB2/IMS) to design, develop, and support critical applications on IBM mainframe platforms. You’ll collaborate with developers, architects, DBAs, and stakeholders to deliver high‑performing solutions.

Role requires hands-on COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, IMS DB, and VSAM experience, with DB2 for z/OS optimization and IMS DB access strategies. Hybrid work with 3 days/week in Columbus, GA. Applications close July 23, 2026.

Qualifications

• Strong experience designing and supporting IBM z/OS mainframe applications.
• Hands-on COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, IMS DB and VSAM expertise.
• Proven DB2 for z/OS design and SQL performance optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, enhance, and maintain mainframe applications.
• Collaborate with architects, DBAs, and stakeholders to deliver reliable solutions.
• Troubleshoot production issues and ensure stability and standards.

Skills

COBOL

JCL

CICS

DB2

IMS DB

VSAM

SQL performance

Tools

DB2 for z/OS

IMS DB

CICS

Job description

Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL / DB2 / IMS)

About the role

As a Senior Mainframe Developer, you will make an impact by designing, developing, and supporting critical enterprise applications running on IBM mainframe platforms. You will be a valued member of the technology team and collaborate with application developers, architects, database administrators, and business stakeholders to deliver reliable, scalable, and high‑performing solutions.

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

In this role, you will:

• Design, develop, enhance, and maintain mainframe applications using COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, IMS, and VSAM.
• Apply hands‑on expertise in DB2 for z/OS to design normalized database structures, create and maintain database objects, and optimize SQL performance for transactional and reporting workloads.
• Leverage IMS DB experience to configure hierarchical databases, design segments and relationships, and implement efficient data access strategies.
• Develop and integrate application logic with DB2 and IMS databases to support critical business processes and enterprise applications.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve production issues while ensuring application stability, reliability, and adherence to development standards.

Work model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days per week in a client office in Columbus, Georgia. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you are engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• Strong experience developing and supporting applications on IBM z/OS mainframe platforms.
• Hands‑on expertise with COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, IMS DB, and VSAM.
• Proven experience designing and optimizing DB2 for z/OS databases, SQL queries, and access paths.
• Experience working with IMS DB hierarchical database structures, segments, and relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex production issues.

These will help you stand out

• Experience supporting high‑volume transactional systems within enterprise environments.
• Knowledge of performance tuning, batch processing, and application modernization initiatives.
• Exposure to Agile development methodologies and DevOps practices.
• Experience collaborating with cross‑functional technology and business teams.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a client‑facing environment.

Note: Certain roles may require candidates to attend in‑person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project requirements.

Applications will be accepted until July 23rd, 2026.

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is between $55,350 to $82,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long‑term/Short‑term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.