Sr. Mainframe Developer – Cobol, CICS, DB2, VSAM

Conexess Group; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Conexess Group is seeking a Mainframe Application Programmer to support Cobol/CICS on IBM z/OS in Birmingham, AL. The role focuses on migration work from the Connex platform to FIS Payments, with emphasis on reliability and performance in EFT and core banking environments.

The candidate will develop, test, and deploy Cobol/CICS solutions, participate in code reviews, and collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into robust software.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years preferred in EFT, Payments, core banking.
• 8+ years required strong product development and proficiency in Cobol.
• 6+ years required mainframe development with IBM z/OS 2.6/3.1, DB2, MQ, and CICS.
• 8+ years preferred experience with CICS Command-level programming.
• Knowledge of VSAM, JCL, DFSORT, IBM Utilities, SNA, TCP/IP, and TSO/ISPF.

Responsibilities

• As a Mainframe Developer, design, develop, and maintain software solutions for CICS-based products using COBOL on IBM Mainframe (z Series).
• Leverage Cobol expertise to enhance flagship products and collaborate with cross-functional teams for high-quality client solutions.
• Write efficient, maintainable Cobol code and debug as needed.
• Translate project requirements into technical specifications in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Perform unit testing and debugging to ensure functionality and performance.
• Participate in code reviews and share constructive feedback with team members.
• Stay current with industry trends to improve development practices and document technical work.

Skills

Cobol programming

Mainframe development

CICS

DB2

MQ

JCL

ISPW

Job description

Mainframe Application Programmer - Cobol/CICS

Job Description

Expected Skillset needed to support Product development, production support (t3 support), config. Mgmt., testing practices (unit, integration, regression, etc.) to support the migration to FIS Payments one from our existing Connex platform (on prem).

Must have (Requirements)

• (6-8 years Preferred) Strong domain/industry experience in EFT, Payments, Core Banking technologies.
• (8+ years Required) Strong Product Development and High level of Proficiency in Cobol programming languages.
• (6+ years Required) Proven experience in Mainframe development, with expertise in IBM z/OS 2.6 and 3.1, DB2, MQ, and CICS (5.6, and 6.1 preferred).
• (8+ years preferred) Experience with CICS Command-level application programming.
• Working knowledge and understanding of VSAM, JCL, DFSORT, IBM Utilities, SNA, TCP/IP, and TSO/ISPF

Qualifications

• Experience with mainframe communication systems, components, and toolsets.
• Strong understanding of ISO 8583, and ISO20022 (a plus) messaging methodologies
• Strong understanding of ISPW (Code Pipeline), code promotion, code check in, peer reviews, and testing and development best practices.
• Vendor exposure and relationships preferred with vendors such as FIS, Client, ACI, Financial, and other payment related systems.
• Understand waterfall and/or Agile processes and understanding of high-availability concepts.
• Understanding of high-availability concepts.
• Exposure to CICD concepts, branching/merging methodologies for code development and mgmt.

Soft Skills

• Strong understanding of test-driven development, unit, integration, and regression testing methodologies.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and (ALM) methodologies
• Excellent problem-solving skills, troubleshooting complex systems, and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Good communication skills and the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels

Responsibilities

• As a Mainframe Developer, you will play a crucial role in the design, development, and maintenance of software solutions for CICS based products leveraging COBOL language on the IBM Mainframe (z Series) based platforms
• Leveraging your expertise in Cobol, you will contribute to the enhancement of our flagship products and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions to our clientsDesign, develop, and maintain software applications for IBM z/OS and CICS environment.
• Write efficient, maintainable, and scalable code in Cobol, and ability to debug.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand project requirements and translate them into technical specifications
• Perform unit testing and debugging to ensure the functionality and performance of developed solutions
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement in development practices
• Create technical documents; Review, edit and offer suggestions to others with appropriate oral and written communications. Concise and diplomatic