Mainframe z/OS Developer

New
Posted: June 25, 2026

I. Position Summary

Karthik Consulting is seeking an experienced Mainframe z/OS Developer to support the development, maintenance, modernization, and integration of enterprise mainframe applications in a fully remote, U.S.-based role.

Work Environment

• Work Location: Remote
• Must be authorized to work in the United States

Compensation

Karthik Consulting is committed to providing competitive compensation based on the responsibilities of the role, required qualifications, security clearance level, relevant experience, certifications, customer requirements, geographic location, and overall business needs. The salary range listed for this position represents a good-faith estimate of the current compensation range for this role.

At Karthik Consulting, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range. Final compensation decisions are based on the facts and circumstances of each candidate’s experience, qualifications, certifications, clearance level, contract requirements, and overall alignment with the role.

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range for this position is $90,000 to $100,000 annually.

Employees may be eligible for company benefits and additional compensation programs, subject to company policy, contract requirements, and individual eligibility.

II. Role Context

Role Overview

This role is ideal for a hands-on mainframe developer with strong IBM z/OS experience, deep knowledge of core mainframe technologies, and the ability to support both legacy application needs and modernization initiatives.

Technical Focus

The developer will work across COBOL, JCL, CICS, VSAM, DB2, IMS, batch processing, online transaction processing, AI-enabled analysis, and mainframe modernization efforts.

What You’ll Do

As a Mainframe z/OS Developer, you will design, develop, maintain, enhance, and troubleshoot enterprise applications running on IBM z/OS while collaborating with developers, architects, and stakeholders to support system enhancements, integrations, and modernization objectives.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, maintain, and enhance applications running on IBM z/OS.
• Develop and maintain COBOL programs, JCL, CICS transactions, and VSAM files.
• Support batch and online transaction processing environments.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve production and application issues.
• Participate in mainframe modernization, migration, and integration initiatives.
• Collaborate with developers, architects, Java teams, and stakeholders to support system enhancements and integrations.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, test plans, and implementation procedures.
• Apply AI-enabled tools to improve code analysis, documentation, testing, refactoring, and modernization efforts.

III. Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience developing applications on IBM z/OS.
• Strong proficiency with COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, and IMS.
• Experience supporting batch processing and online transaction processing environments.
• Experience using IBM utilities, TSO/ISPF, and Abend-AID.
• Experience with Control-D, Control-M, and File-AID.
• Familiarity with RACF and mainframe security practices.
• Strong understanding of mainframe migration planning, risk assessment, and resource management.
• Experience leveraging AI/ML tools such as Copilot, WatsonX, ReDux, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of AI-assisted code refactoring and modernization solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting mainframe modernization or migration projects.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices in mainframe environments.
• Experience with Jenkins, Git, or related CI/CD tools.
• Mainframe performance tuning and optimization experience.
• Experience with ServiceNow.

Desired Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Java developers and cross-functional technical teams.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a strong focus on quality, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Comfort working in remote delivery environments with distributed teams and stakeholders.

AI-Enabled Modernization Experience

Candidates should be comfortable applying AI-enabled tools to accelerate code analysis, documentation, testing, refactoring, and modernization activities while maintaining strong review practices and production-quality standards.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, and relevant professional experience may be considered.