Direct Client: Mainframe Programmer @ Hartford, CT - Hybrid - Locals preferred.

Mainframe Programmer

Hartford, CT Hybrid Locals preferred

7 months contract

We are seeking candidates who do not require visa sponsorship, are eligible to work on a W2

Seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Database Migration Specialist to support a critical, time-sensitive enterprise data migration initiative. The consultant will be responsible for analyzing existing mainframe applications, developing extraction and conversion processes, modifying COBOL programs and JCL, and ensuring the successful migration of IMS and legacy data assets to target platforms. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with aggressive project timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing mainframe applications, databases, files, and batch processing workflows to support migration activities.
• Design, develop, and execute data extraction processes from IMS databases and legacy mainframe data sources.
• Create, modify, and support JCL required for data extracts, file transfers, conversion processing, and migration testing.
• Perform COBOL program analysis and code modifications to support data extraction, transformation, validation, and reconciliation requirements.
• Review and update FTP/SFTP processes to support secure transmission of migration files between source and target environments.
• Utilize IMS utilities and BMC Utilities for IMS to unload, extract, validate, and reconcile database content.
• Develop and execute data validation and reconciliation procedures to ensure data integrity throughout the migration lifecycle.
• Support file mapping, field-level transformation logic, and data conversion specifications.
• Troubleshoot batch failures, abends, data discrepancies, and performance issues related to migration processing.
• Collaborate with database administrators, architects, business analysts, and project teams to define migration requirements and resolve technical challenges.
• Create technical documentation, migration runbooks, implementation procedures, and production support documentation.
• Participate in migration testing, system integration testing, user acceptance testing, and production implementation activities.
• Provide production support during migration cutover and post-implementation stabilization periods.
• Identify opportunities for automation using CLIST, REXX, File-AID, and other mainframe utilities.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise change management, security, and audit requirements.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of Mainframe Development experience.
• Expert-level COBOL programming experience.
• Strong JCL development and troubleshooting skills.
• Extensive IMS Database experience.
• Experience with BMC Utilities for IMS.
• Experience developing large-scale data extracts and conversion processes.
• Strong understanding of FTP/SFTP file transfer methodologies.
• Proven experience supporting enterprise data migration or modernization initiatives.
• Experience performing data analysis, reconciliation, and validation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with File-AID.
• Experience with EZtrieve.
• Experience with CLIST and REXX automation.
• Prior experience with legacy modernization or cloud migration projects.
• Experience supporting financial services, insurance, healthcare, or government mainframe environments.

Critical Success Factors

• Ability to quickly assess complex legacy environments.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to meet aggressive deadlines and deliver high-quality migration solutions under tight timelines.