Mainframe Architect

Role & responsibilities

Job Title: Mainframe Architect

Position Summary: Seeking an experienced Mainframe Architect to drive the architecture, design, development, modernization, and support of mission-critical mainframe applications. The role requires a hands-on technical leader who can define solution architecture, lead development teams, engage with business stakeholders, and ensure delivery of secure, scalable, and high-performing enterprise solutions across the Mainframe landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, development, testing, deployment and support of Mainframe applications.
• Define solution designs and modernization roadmaps aligned with business needs.
• Develop and support applications using COBOL, PL/I, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, SQL, and PostgreSQL.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to development teams.
• Drive modernization initiatives, including API enablement, integration, cloud connectivity, and automation.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, architects, project managers, and operations teams.
• Lead Agile activities such as sprint planning, estimation, code reviews, and technical governance.
• Establish and enforce development standards, best practices, and DevOps processes.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, architecture designs, and operational procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve application performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Manage technical risks and ensure quality delivery throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform batch testing, integration testing, and validation to ensure data accuracy and successful end-to-end processing.
• Analyze and resolve batch failures, abends, and performance issues, ensuring timely production support and system stability.

Required Technical Skills

• Programming Languages: COBOL, PL/I, JCL, SQL
• Mainframe Technologies: CICS, DB2, VSAM, TSO/ISPF
• Database Technologies: DB2, SQL PostgreSQL Performance Tuning
• Tools: Expediter, Abend-AID, File-AID, IBM Utilities
• Concepts: Batch Processing, SDLC, Application Integration, System Design
• Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, DevOps, CI/CD
• Integration Technologies: APIs, Web Services, MQ, Enterprise Integration Patterns
• Modernization: Mainframe Modernization, Cloud Integration, Hybrid Architectures

Required Qualifications

•       12+ years of experience in Mainframe application development, maintenance, and support.

•       5+ years of experience as a Technical Lead or Architect.

•       Strong experience in solution architecture, application design, and Mainframe modernization.

•       Proven ability to lead development and transformation initiatives.

•       Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.

•       Experience in Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, or other high-volume transaction environments.

•       Experience with cloud adoption, API-led integration, and digital transformation programs.

•       Knowledge of Java, Microservices, OpenShift, Kubernetes, or cloud-native technologies.

•       TOGAF, AWS, Azure, or other relevant certifications.

Key Competencies

• Architecture/Technical Leadership
• Mainframe Modernization
• Strategic Thinking
• Stakeholder Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Agile Delivery Leadership
•          Team Mentoring and Development

Preferred candidate profile