Mainframe Developer (PL/I, Cobol, JCL, VSAM, IMS DB, DB2) Canada Remote 6-12 months
Job Description: Mainframe Developer – Application Enhancements, Support & Decommissioning
Job Summary We are looking for an experienced Mainframe Developer to support application enhancements, production support, and decommissioning initiatives within a complex enterprise environment. The role requires strong expertise in legacy systems, data management, and operational stability while contributing to modernization and retirement of applications. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in PL/I, DB2, IMS, and JCL, along with strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Job Requirements • Design, develop, and implement enhancements to existing mainframe applications based on business requirements. • Write, maintain, and optimize PL/I programs and JCL for batch and online processing. • Work with DB2 and IMS databases for data processing, querying, and performance tuning. • Provide Level 2/3 production and application support, including batch job monitoring, incident resolution, and root cause analysis. • Ensure smooth execution of batch processes using scheduling tools such as Control-M and support change, incident, and problem management activities using tools like HPSM and JIRA. • Utilize mainframe development and deployment tools such as ISPW for code management and promotion. • Analyze legacy applications to identify decommissioning opportunities, including dependency mapping and impact analysis. • Support data archival, migration, and validation as part of application retirement initiatives. • Execute decommissioning activities in compliance with regulatory and data retention requirements. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and document system changes, processes, and decommissioning activities.
Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. • 4–7 years of experience in mainframe development and support roles. • Strong hands-on experience with PL/I, DB2, IMS, and JCL. • Experience with tools such as Control-M, ISPW, HPSM, and JIRA. • Experience in application enhancements and production support. • Knowledge of batch processing and job scheduling tools. • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Skills • Experience with mainframe application decommissioning or modernization initiatives. • Familiarity with Guidewire ClaimCenter (added advantage). • Understanding of insurance. • Exposure to Agile delivery models. • Experience with data migration and archival strategies.
Key Competencies • Strong attention to detail and quality focus • Excellent communication and collaboration skills • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines • Proactive problem-solving and critical thinking |