Software Engineer Principal - Mainframe

PNC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and prescription drug coverage

401(k) with match

Pension and stock purchase plans

Paid time off

Job summary

PNC is looking for a Software Engineer Principal‑Mainframe based in Pittsburgh, PA. This role focuses on providing technical direction and driving modernization initiatives in mainframe applications that support enterprise banking systems.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of relevant experience, proficiency in COBOL and CICS, and the ability to mentor junior engineers. PNC offers a full benefits package, including medical, 401(k), and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry-relevant experience in mainframe application development.
• Ability to design and support large-scale systems.
• Willingness to obtain relevant certifications if not already possessed.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of mainframe applications.
• Provide subject matter expertise in COBOL-driven development.
• Analyze and translate business requirements into technical solutions.

Skills

Mainframe development experience

Advanced proficiency in COBOL

Experience with CICS

Knowledge of JCL

Familiarity with CA7 / Control‑M

Strong analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

CICS

JCL

CA7 / Control‑M

Job description

Position Overview

Position ID: R225390. As a Software Engineer Principal‑Mainframe within PNC’s C/IB organization, you will be based in Pittsburgh, PA. The role focuses on technical direction, architecture decisions, and ensuring alignment with PNC’s engineering standards and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of mainframe applications supporting enterprise banking systems
• Provide subject matter expertise in COBOL-driven development, ensuring scalable and maintainable solutions
• Develop, enhance, and maintain applications utilizing: CICS (Channels & Containers), JCL (Job Control Language), batch processing and scheduling tools (CA7 / Control‑M)
• Design and optimize high‑throughput batch and online transaction processing systems
• Analyze and translate complex business requirements into robust technical solutions
• Drive modernization initiatives, including integration of mainframe systems with distributed architectures
• Lead troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and performance tuning across mainframe environments
• Ensure adherence to SDLC, DevOps practices, and enterprise governance standards
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with architects, product owners, and infrastructure teams
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across project teams

Preferred Skills

• Strong experience in mainframe development
• Advanced proficiency in COBOL, CICS, JCL, and CA7 / Control‑M
• Proven ability to design and support mission‑critical, large‑scale systems
• Deep understanding of batch and real‑time processing frameworks
• Experience working in regulated, high‑availability environments (e.g., banking, financial services)
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and debugging skills

Nice to Have

• Prior technical leadership or engineering lead experience
• Demonstrated self‑motivation and independent contribution
• Solutions‑oriented mindset with the ability to drive outcomes
• Experience leading or supporting application modernization initiatives
• Excellent communication skills to influence stakeholders at multiple levels

Qualifications

• University or college degree (Bachelor’s) or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience
• 5+ years of industry‑relevant experience in mainframe application development
• In possession of relevant certifications or willing to obtain them (no required certification listed)

Benefits

PNC offers a comprehensive range of benefits including medical, prescription drug coverage (with health savings account), dental and vision options, life insurance, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with match, pension and stock purchase plans, dependent care reimbursement, child/elder care backup, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, educational assistance, wellness program with financial incentives, paid time off (maternity/parental leave, holidays, vacation), and more.

Disability Accommodations

If an accommodation is required for the application process, contact [e-mail] with “accommodation request” in the subject line, including your name, the job ID, and preferred contact method. Phone: 877‑968‑7762, say “Workday”. All information will be kept confidential and used only for reasonable accommodations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law. This position is subject to Section 19 of FDIA, SAFE Act, and/or FINRA prohibiting the hiring of individuals with certain criminal history.

California Residents

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