Mainframe programmer Jobs in Burnaby, BC

What is the opportunity?

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Linux Engineer to help spearhead the migration of our core systems from a traditional mainframe (z/OS, DB2, COBOL) environment to a modern, scalable, and flexible Linux-based platform. We are building our new stack, and modern cloud-native principles.

The ideal candidate will bring vision, creativity, and exceptional communication skills to engage stakeholders, align teams, and deliver innovative solutions. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, has a natural ability to inspire and lead, and is eager to leverage Generative AI (GenAI) to unlock new opportunities for our organization.

What will you do?

As the Lead Engineer, you will own the entire Linux development lifecycle, from architecture to execution and team leadership.

Technical & Architectural Leadership

• Design, build, and take full ownership of our new Linux-based application architecture.

• Champion and implement modern development practices, including a robust CI/CD for automated testing and deployment.

• Lead the adoption and mastery of containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes).

• Define and enforce standards for code quality, testing, security, and governance across the new stack.

• Architect and build services using modern tooling such as Python.

Team Building & Mentorship

• Build a high-performing Linux development team from scratch, including recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding.

• Act as the primary technical mentor, leader, and reviewer for all team members.

• Bridge the knowledge gap by patiently mentoring and guiding our existing, talented developers as they transition from mainframe and Windows-based systems.

• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Strategic Execution

• Partner with product and business stakeholders to define the technical roadmap for the migration.

• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, including Generative AI solutions, to create business value.

• Manage the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) for your team, ensuring projects are delivered on time and with high quality.

What do you need to succeed?

Must-Have

• Expert-level mastery of the Linux ecosystem: You live and breathe Linux (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu, Kernel) and are a wizard with shell scripting and system-level-thinking.

• Proven Senior-Level Experience: 7+ years in software engineering, with demonstrable experience in a technical lead or principal engineer capacity.

• Modern Language Proficiency: Deep, hands-on experience building, and deploying applications with Python and Elixir.

• Container & CI/CD Champion: You don't just use Docker and CI/CD; you know how to build, scale, and manage them from scratch.

• "Founder" Mentality: A bias for action, a high degree of ownership, and the ability to build processes, teams, and products in an ambiguous "Day 1" environment.

• Leadership & Mentorship: You are a patient and empathetic leader who finds joy in teaching and growing other engineers, especially those from different technical backgrounds.

Nice-to-Have Skills:

• Background in Oracle systems and migration projects.

• Elixir Experience: Professional or significant personal project experience with Elixir and the BEAM/OTP framework.

• Mainframe Migration: Any experience with or understanding of mainframe environments (COBOL, DB2, z/OS) is a significant plus.

• Gen AI Integration: Demonstrable experience integrating LLMs or other Generative AI tools into a product or workflow.

• Cloud Infrastructure: Strong experience with a major cloud provider (AWS, GCP, Azure).

• Experience working with or supporting tools in the Modern Data Stack (e.g., Snowflake, dbt, Airflow).

What You Bring

We are looking for someone who is:

• A builder, not just a maintainer. The idea of a blank canvas should excite you.

• A pragmatist, understanding the need to balance "perfect" architecture with "real" business needs.

• A change agent, capable of inspiring and leading others through a major technological and cultural shift.

• A lifelong learner, and mentor.

• Would you like me to refine any of these sections or add details about your company culture?

What’s in It for You?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• Impactful Leadership: Lead high-visibility projects that will transform our financial systems and data infrastructure.

• Innovative Culture: Join a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment that values creativity, experimentation, and bold thinking.

• Professional Growth: Access world-class training programs and opportunities to grow your career in project management, technology, and finance.

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a comprehensive Total Rewards Program, including competitive salary, bonuses, flexible benefits, and stock options where applicable.

• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible work arrangements that prioritize your well-being and personal needs.

• Collaborative Team: Be part of a high-performing team that values innovation, teamwork, and making a lasting impact.

Job Skills

Active Learning, Agile Methodology, Application Integrations, Building Architecture, Collaborating, Creativity, Design, Detail-Oriented, Emerging Technologies, Enterprise Application Delivery, Group Problem Solving, Information Technology Trends, Innovation, Leadership, Programming Languages, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Team Leadership, Technical Knowledge

Additional Job Details

745 THURLOW ST:VANCOUVERVancouverCanada37.5Full timeTECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONSRegularSalaried2026-03-102026-04-10

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

Our Employment Opportunities

At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.

RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.