Sr. IBMi/RPG Developer

Programmers.io; Basking Ridge (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM i / RPG Developer & Project Lead position in New Jersey seeks an experienced professional to design, develop, and maintain IBM i applications. You will lead projects from requirements to deployment, collaborating with IT and business teams to deliver reliable software solutions.

The role emphasizes strong RPGLE/SQL skills, experience with CL, REST/SOAP, and API usage, plus familiarity with MQ, JSON, XML, and Rational Developer for i. WMS and microservices exposure are a plus.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Project Leader managing IT initiatives from planning through implementation
• Strong background in AS/400 (IBM i) development and maintenance, including RPGLE Free format, CL, and SQLRPGLE
• Expertise in SQL for data analysis, reporting, and understanding relational data models
• Ability to analyze existing systems and processes, recommend improvements, and implement solutions
• Experience with application software deployment in both test and production environments
• Strong communication and analytical skills; ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Proficient in RPGLE Free, Embedded SQL, SQL, CL, Service Programs, Stored Procedures
• Use of Rational Developer for i, MQ, JSON, and XML
• Web service integration (REST/SOAP) and API usage

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain applications on the IBM i / Power System using native tools (RPG/400, RPGLE, SQLRPGLE, Free RPG, CL, DSPF, etc.)
• Support full project lifecycle from requirements gathering through development, QA, and production deployment
• Load, test, and promote application software releases and fixes following change control protocols
• Collaborate with business users to gather functional requirements and convert them into technical design specifications
• Respond to production support issues and resolve critical incidents or user-reported problems
• Create and maintain technical documentation in accordance with established department standards
• Participate in code reviews, offer feedback, and maintain coding standards and documentation practices
• Work closely with engineering, UX, and product teams to ensure delivery of high-quality software
• Provide architectural input and understand performance implications of different development techniques (e.g., embedded SQL)
• Lead or assist in managing IT projects and coordinate with external consultants or partner teams as needed
• Promote continuous improvement and contribute to the evolution of the company's development standards and methodologies

Skills

RPGLE Free

Embedded SQL

SQL

CL

Service Programs

Stored Procedures

Rational Developer for i

MQ

JSON

XML

REST/SOAP

API usage

Tools

Rational Developer for i

MQ

JSON

XML

Job description

Job Description IBM i / RPG Developer & Project Lead

Experience & Qualifications

Proven experience as a Project Leader managing IT initiatives from planning through implementation

Strong background in AS/400 (IBM i) development and maintenance, including RPGLE Free format, CL, and SQLRPGLE

Expertise in SQL for data analysis, reporting, and understanding relational data models

Ability to analyze existing systems and processes, recommend improvements, and implement solutions

Experience with application software deployment in both test and production environments

Strong communication and analytical skills; ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams

Proficient in:

• - RPGLE Free, Embedded SQL, SQL, CL, Service Programs, Stored Procedures
• - Use of Rational Developer for i, MQ, JSON, and XML
• - Web service integration (REST/SOAP) and API usage

Bonus skills:

• - Familiarity with modern languages such as Java, .NET, PHP
• - Experience with WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), especially Manhattan
• - AS/400 operations knowledge including job control, printer management, backup, and monitoring
• - Understanding of Microservices architecture and how services communicate securely and efficiently

Solid Microsoft Office proficiency:

• - Build mapping specifications in Excel
• - Write professional documentation in Word
• - Collaborate using Skype or Teams

Highly coachable, adaptable, and willing to both give and receive constructive feedback

Ability to gather and translate business requirements into functional designs

Understand core business processes and how they integrate with IT systems

Familiarity with IT project management methodology and routine administrative duties

Ability to coordinate tasks across IT and business teams

Experience promoting code across environments while adhering to change management policies

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Experience writing and running queries on relational SQL databases

Position Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain applications on the IBM i / Power System using native tools (RPG/400, RPGLE, SQLRPGLE, Free RPG, CL, DSPF, etc.)

Support full project lifecycle from requirements gathering through development, QA, and production deployment

Load, test, and promote application software releases and fixes following change control protocols

Collaborate with business users to gather functional requirements and convert them into technical design specifications

Respond to production support issues and resolve critical incidents or user-reported problems

Create and maintain technical documentation in accordance with established department standards

Participate in code reviews, offer feedback, and maintain coding standards and documentation practices

Work closely with engineering, UX, and product teams to ensure delivery of high-quality software

Provide architectural input and understand performance implications of different development techniques (e.g., embedded SQL)

Lead or assist in managing IT projects and coordinate with external consultants or partner teams as needed

Promote continuous improvement and contribute to the evolution of the company's development standards and methodologies