Mainframe qa test manager

job summary:
Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Mainframe QA Testing Engineer to design, execute, and automate comprehensive testing strategies for our core mainframe platforms. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of high-throughput, mission-critical legacy systems and their integrations with modern distributed environments.

Rather than writing application code, you will operate as a quality advocate-using a deep understanding of mainframe architectures to design robust test scenarios, execute complex batch and online transactions, validate database integrity, and drive modern test automation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Test Strategy & Execution

Design, develop, and execute end-to-end test plans and test cases based on complex business requirements and technical specifications.

Validate batch processing environments by writing, modifying, and executing JCL (Job Control Language).

Verify online transaction processing through CICS or IMS interfaces.

Perform comprehensive data validation of Db2 relational databases and VSAM files, writing SQL queries to perform pre- and post-test data verification.

2. Test Automation & Modernization

Identify opportunities to shift-left testing and transition manual legacy \"green screen\" testing into modern, automated CI/CD pipelines.

Build, maintain, and execute automated regression test suites using tools like BMC AMI DevX Total Test (Compuware), IBM zUnit, or terminal emulator automation tools (e.g., JMeter with RTE, ACCELQ, or Micro Focus).

Create and manage mock data environments using service virtualization to limit expensive mainframe CPU usage during testing.

3. Defect Management & Collaboration

Analyze spool files and system logs (via SDSF/TSO) to perform root-cause analysis on batch job failures (e.g., handling system Abends).

Document, track, and manage software defects in tools like Jira or ALM, providing clear diagnostic information to COBOL developers for swift remediation.

Collaborate closely with business analysts, system administrators, and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure integrated end-to-end system reliability.

Required Qualifications

Technical Experience

5+ years of dedicated QA/testing experience specifically within enterprise Mainframe environments.

Hands-on Core Mainframe Skills: Strong familiarity navigating TSO/ISPF and managing spool files with SDSF.

File & Database Validation: Advanced proficiency with Db2 (SQL) and managing mainframe data structures (VSAM, sequential files).

Log & Execution Reading: Ability to read and troubleshoot JCL scripts and diagnose common execution Abends.

Testing Utilities: Experience using mainframe data manipulation tools such as File-AID / File Manager or InSync.

Integration Testing: Experience testing hybrid environments where modern web/mobile APIs (REST/SOAP) trigger backend mainframe processes.

Soft Skills & Competencies

The \"Tester's Mindset\": A strong analytical approach focused on breaking code, identifying edge cases, and validating logic limits.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate technical defects to development teams and business risks to stakeholders.

Ability to work in agile or hybrid-waterfall environments.

Desired Qualifications (Nice to Have)

Code Familiarity: The ability to read and understand (though not necessarily write) COBOL or PL/I code to perform white-box testing.

Advanced Automation: Direct experience with modern automated mainframe testing frameworks (BMC DevX Total Test, zUnit, or ACCELQ).

Scheduler Knowledge: Familiarity with batch scheduling systems like Control-M, CA7, or TWS.

Experience in high-compliance industries such as Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, or Healthcare.

location: Plano, Texas
job type: Solutions
salary: $60 - 64 per hour
work hours: 9am to 5pm
education: Bachelors


responsibilities:

• Dedicated team player

qualifications:
Degree

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.


Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).


This posting is open for thirty (30) days.