Mainframe Modernization Architect

Mainframe Modernization Technical Architect
Employment Type: Contract, 3–6 months with potential extension and contract-to-hire opportunity
Location: Remote; EST/CST preferred
Compensation: $80–$90/hour
Travel: Less than 10%
Schedule: Standard U.S. business hours
Benefits: LaSalle Network consultants are eligible to enroll in benefits. For details, visit

Position Overview
We are seeking a Mainframe Modernization Technical Architect to support active enterprise modernization engagements. This role will work directly with clients to understand existing mainframe applications, assess legacy code and data, determine the appropriate modernization strategy, and design the target-state architecture.

This is a technically focused architecture role for someone who can stay close to the technology while also guiding clients through modernization decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess existing mainframe applications, code, data, dependencies, and architecture

• Determine the appropriate modernization approach, including refactoring, replatforming, rewriting, and data migration

• Develop target-state architectures and modernization roadmaps

• Translate legacy application functionality into modern technology architectures

• Lead client-facing technical assessments and modernization discussions

• Provide recommendations based on the client’s current environment, business needs, and technical constraints

• Partner with internal architecture and delivery teams on active modernization engagements

• Support knowledge transfer and collaborate with other technical architects across the team

Required Qualifications

• Strong experience in mainframe application modernization architecture

• Strong experience with COBOL

• Working knowledge and experience with Natural and Adabas

• Experience analyzing legacy applications, code, and data structures

• Ability to assess application environments and recommend the appropriate modernization path

• Experience designing target-state architectures

• Strong client-facing consulting and communication skills

• Ability to work independently within complex enterprise environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Consulting or service-provider background

• Experience with Java, C#, Python, AWS, Azure, or other modern platforms

• Experience supporting fixed-bid modernization projects

• Interest in AI-driven modernization and emerging modernization tools

• Experience working across broader mainframe technologies such as DB2, IMS, JCL, CICS, VSAM, RACF, z/OS, PL/I, or Assembler

Work Environment
This is project-based consulting work supporting already-sold modernization engagements. The architect will generally support one client at a time and work closely with other technical team members while ramping into internal processes and delivery methodologies.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical mainframe knowledge, application modernization experience, and client-facing consulting skills .

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