Software Engineer II

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions is seeking a Senior Applications Analyst to design and develop complex information systems, including real-time debit card processing, and provide technical direction on major modifications.

You will lead and mentor junior staff, evaluate client requirements, and ensure solutions are technically sound while aligning with bank standards and regulatory controls.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of experience in systems analysis/application development.
• 7+ years of experience in Mainframe COBOL.
• 7+ years of experience in CICS.
• 7+ years of experience in JCL.
• 7+ years of experience coordinating between Applications and business units.
• 7+ years of experience recommending and implementing systems solutions.

Responsibilities

• Complete and oversee basic to complex systems analysis, design and development.
• Play a key role as an individual contributor on complex projects.
• Maintain an excellent functional understanding of the supported application(s).
• Direct and monitor less experienced resources and coordinate development tasks on small to large scope projects.
• Prepare and manage the technical component of project plans.
• Participate with other Development, Operations and Technology staff in overall systems development direction from technical analysis to user acceptance testing.
• Prepare and review test data and execute detailed test plans. Complete any required debugging.
• Evaluate and understand complex interrelationships among programs and interfaces; provide analytical leadership for new IT uses.

Skills

Mainframe COBOL

CICS

JCL

Systems analysis

Team leadership

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree optional

Job description

• Provides designs, specifies information systems solutions, and highly technical direction in the development of new or existing applications to solve basic to complex problems or enhancements.
• Candidate much have experience with real time debit card processing.
• Serves as a principal application designer for major modifications, effectively using analytical and technical skills and available technology and tools in the evaluation of client requirements and processes.
• Provides solutions that are technologically sound.
• May complete day-to-day support activities and special projects. Often directs and monitors the activities of less experienced personnel.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries.
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritises both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Sound like a good fit?

What You’ll Do:

• Complete and oversee basic to complex systems analysis, design and development.
• Play a key role as an individual contributor on complex projects.
• Maintain an excellent functional understanding of the supported application(s).
• Direct and monitor less experienced resources and coordinate development tasks on small to large scope projects.
• Prepare and manage the technical component of project plans.
• Participate with other Development, operations and Technology staff in overall systems development direction from technical analysis to user acceptance testing.
• Prepare and review test data and execute detailed test plans. Complete any required debugging.
• Evaluate and understand complex interrelationships and effects among programs, interfacing applications and platforms. Provide highly analytical consulting and leadership in identifying and implementing new uses of information technologies to assist business units in meeting strategic objectives.
• Prepare thorough, clear technical and functional specifications and update systems documentation.
• Prepare charts, tables and diagrams to assist in analyzing problems.
• Review documentation prepared by less experienced staff.
• Prepare and review assessments to include required tasks, estimated time frames and effort for any scope project.
• Maintain efficient operation and effectiveness of supported applications.
• Recommend new technology, policies or processes to benefit the organization and improve deficiencies.
• May lead or participate in technical evaluations of vendor software.
• Follow and promote use of development standards and procedures.
• Maintain a good understanding of the business being supported and its functions, processes, operations and strategic direction.
• May assist in developing expense and capital budgets.
• Understand and adhere to the Company's risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company's Risk Appetite.
• Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports diversity and reflects the client Bank brand.
• Maintain client internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties or projects as required, which may include playing a lead role in due diligence, cost/benefit analysis or business study activities.
• The position works under supervision of the Technology Team Lead.
• The job holder is competent to work independently on all high level systems analysis and technical phases of development.
• The position is capable of managing the activities of others on a project basis for small to large scope efforts and may lead project activities.
• The job holder monitors staff performance on assigned projects relative to their overall abilities and effectiveness in completing projects within schedules.
• The position interacts with senior management, other technology personnel, clients and vendors.
• The job holder provides backup to higher management as required and may be called on to serve as a technical representative on committees, ad-hoc projects, etc.

Job Requirements

What You’ll Bring:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in systems analysis/application development.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in Mainframe: COBOL
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in CICS
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in JCL
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in coordinating between Applications and business units.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in recommending and implementing systems solutions.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in driving project milestones and delivery dates.

What Sets You Apart:

• Associates Degree
• Familiar with application development software and hardware platforms.
• Proficiency with personal computers as well as pertinent project management, word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Capable of working on multiple projects of a complex nature.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to assist in issue resolution.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with prior experience presenting to the target audience.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Strong lateral thinking skills.
• Good understanding of the Bank's application framework.
• Subject matter expert in business with knowledge or experience utilizing application/system being supported.
• Advanced understanding of applications supported with a sound knowledge of interfacing/integrated applications.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as autonomously.
• Ability to multitask for various components of complex projects.
• Advanced knowledge and focus of the entire system to work on projects outside of normal business-as-usual (BAU).

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.