Senior Mainframe Developer

Senior Mainframe Developer The Senior Mainframe Developer is a mid-senior level role responsible for the design, development, and ongoing support of complex mainframe and multi-platform application systems within a large-scale enterprise technology environment. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this position plays a critical role in delivering robust software solutions that meet specific business and operational needs across the technology organization. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in mainframe technologies, customer communications management platforms, and modern development tooling, reflecting the standards expected at leading financial institutions. This role also carries an advisory dimension, serving as a subject matter expert to stakeholders and providing mentorship to junior team members. Responsibilities Participate in feasibility studies, IT planning, time and cost estimation, and risk assessment to support the establishment and implementation of new or revised application systems aligned with business requirements. Lead and monitor all phases of the software development lifecycle — including analysis, design, construction, testing, and implementation — while providing ongoing operational and user support post-deployment. Develop, maintain, and enhance applications using mainframe technologies (COBOL, JCL, DB2) and customer communication management platforms (MessagePoint and Exstream), ensuring performance, reliability, and compliance with enterprise standards. Analyze complex system and business process issues using in-depth applications development knowledge; evaluate industry standards and recommend advanced programming solutions and architectural improvements. Design and implement security measures and conduct post-implementation analysis to validate system functionality, data integrity, and adherence to regulatory and policy requirements. Consult with business users, clients, and cross-functional technology teams to gather requirements, define operating standards, and resolve technical issues across application environments. Develop and maintain Java and/or Python-based solutions in UNIX environments, contributing to automation, integration, and modernization efforts alongside core mainframe delivery. Utilize SDLC tooling — including Jira, RDZ, and Bitbucket — to manage code versioning, project tracking, and collaborative delivery across development teams. Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to senior stakeholders; mentor and coach junior analysts to build team capability and uphold engineering best practices. Appropriately assess and escalate risk in alignment with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies, demonstrating sound ethical judgment and transparency in all business and technical decisions. Qualifications 4+ years of overall experience in applications development, systems analysis, and software programming within enterprise or financial services environments. 4+ years of hands-on mainframe development experience, including proficiency in COBOL, JCL, DB2, and associated mainframe tools (e.g., TSO/ISPF, VSAM, CICS). 2+ years of experience with MessagePoint and OpenText Exstream content and composition platforms, including template development, variable data processing, and multi-channel output management. Hands-on experience with Java and/or Python development in UNIX/Linux environments, with familiarity in scripting, automation, or API-based integration. Hands-on SDLC experience utilizing tools such as Jira, RDZ, and Bitbucket for project tracking, code management, and collaborative development workflows. Demonstrated experience managing and delivering successful technology projects, including the ability to work under pressure and adapt to shifting requirements or deadlines. Working knowledge of consulting and project management methodologies, with the ability to translate business needs into technical solutions and operating standards. Strong analytical and evaluative judgment skills with the ability to assess complex technical and business problems and recommend sound, scalable solutions. Experience advising senior stakeholders and acting as a subject matter expert; ability to operate with limited supervision and exercise independent judgment. Education Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.