Mainframe Developer

Job Description

Job Title: Mainframe Developer

Duration: 6+ Month Contract, Highly possible for long-term extension

Interview Mode: Webcam or In Person

Client Location: Des Moines, IA 50319

Project Overview

Undertaking a major modernization initiative to replace its aging eligibility platform with a new statewide eligibility system (EDEN).

As part of this initiative, the existing Child Support Enforcement system (ICAR) must continue exchanging critical data with the new platform through file-based interfaces and batch processes.

The Mainframe Developer will support the integration and transition between the legacy child support application and the new eligibility platform by developing, enhancing, testing, and maintaining mainframe applications and interfaces.

Key Responsibilities

Mainframe Application Development

• Develop, enhance, and maintain COBOL and JCL programs supporting ICAR and EDEN integration.
• Modify file layouts, data mappings, transformation logic, and validation routines.
• Enhance batch processing workflows, GDG structures, and VSAM datasets.
• Maintain and troubleshoot existing mainframe applications and production processes.
• Support modernization activities involving legacy eligibility data sources.

Technical Analysis and Design

• Translate business and functional requirements into technical specifications.
• Analyze existing mainframe applications and integration points.
• Support applications interacting with IDMS databases, including schema and subschema navigation.
• Perform record-level and field-level analysis of inbound and outbound interfaces.
• Identify dependencies and risks associated with legacy and modern system integration.
• Maintain technical documentation, process flows, and interface specifications.

Testing and Quality Assurance

• Develop and execute unit test scenarios for COBOL programs and batch jobs.
• Support system, integration, regression, and user acceptance testing.
• Investigate and resolve technical defects.
• Validate end-to-end file exchanges and data processing.
• Ensure data quality and processing accuracy.

Deployment and Production Support

• Develop and maintain JCL, PROCs, scheduling definitions, and operational documentation.
• Support implementation, migration, and production deployment activities.
• Assist with cutover planning and execution.
• Troubleshoot production incidents, file processing failures, and data discrepancies.
• Prepare operational runbooks and monitoring procedures.

Collaboration

• Work with business analysts, architects, developers, testers, and project managers.
• Participate in design reviews, technical walkthroughs, and sprint planning.
• Communicate technical risks, issues, and recommendations.
• Support knowledge transfer and technical documentation.

Required Technical Skills

• COBOL programming
• JCL (Job Control Language)
• VSAM datasets, indexing, REPRO and DEFINE utilities
• IDMS database development and support
• IDMS schema/subschema concepts and database navigation
• IDMS COBOL integration
• Batch processing development and support
• Flat file design and parsing
• Data transformation and interface mapping
• GDG management and dataset lifecycle administration
• FTP/SFTP processing and troubleshooting
• Automated file transfer processes
• CA7, Control-M, or equivalent enterprise scheduling tools
• Legacy system modernization
• Multi-system data integration and interface support
• Technical specification interpretation
• Root cause analysis and troubleshooting

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in each listed required technical skill.
• Hands-on experience in mainframe application development.
• Strong COBOL, JCL, and batch processing knowledge.
• Experience with IDMS or comparable mainframe database technologies.
• Experience working with VSAM datasets and file-processing applications.
• Experience supporting application integrations and data exchange processes.
• Experience analyzing and modifying legacy applications.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Child Support Enforcement systems or Human Services programs.
• Experience with eligibility systems, public assistance systems, or government modernization projects.
• Experience with large-scale legacy modernization initiatives.
• Knowledge of production support, release management, and deployment practices.
• Experience working in Agile or hybrid project environments.
• ADS/O experience is preferred.