Senior Application Programmer – Mainframe Systems

Job Title: Senior Application Programmer
Location: Downey, California
Job Type: Full Time, 12 Month Contract
Expected Hours per Week: 40
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pay: $69.66 – $80.94/hour
Assignment: December 22, 2026 – December 21, 2027
Work Location: Downey, CA. 
Job Description
Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Application Programmer – Mainframe Systems to support the development, maintenance, enhancement, and implementation of complex mainframe applications. This role will focus on designing, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing enterprise applications while ensuring system reliability, performance, and security.
The Senior Application Programmer will work with existing mainframe systems, analyze technical requirements, develop and modify applications, resolve programming issues, and support database operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in IBM mainframe environments, including COBOL, IMS, DB2, CICS, and SPUFI, along with experience supporting complex enterprise applications.
A minimum of 7 years of hands-on mainframe programming experience with COBOL, IMS, DB2, CICS, and SPUFI is required.
Responsibilities May Include

• Designing, developing, modifying, testing, and maintaining complex mainframe applications.
• Writing, debugging, and optimizing COBOL programs within IBM mainframe environments.
• Developing and maintaining applications utilizing IMS, DB2, SQL, and CICS.
• Using SPUFI to execute SQL queries, troubleshoot database issues, and support application development.
• Analyzing business and technical requirements to develop effective application solutions.
• Troubleshooting application errors, system performance issues, and database-related problems.
• Supporting batch processing, online transaction processing, and database operations.
• Developing and maintaining JCL scripts to support mainframe batch processing.
• Working with technical teams and business stakeholders to identify system improvements and resolve application issues.
• Performing application testing, debugging, and quality assurance to ensure functionality and reliability.
• Integrating new application components with existing mainframe systems.
• Maintaining technical documentation, programming specifications, and system design records.
• Supporting application installations, implementations, enhancements, and ongoing production operations.
• Ensuring applications follow established security standards, technical requirements, and organizational procedures.

You’ll Have

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electronic data processing systems design, application development, and mainframe programming.
• Strong hands-on COBOL programming experience within an IBM mainframe environment.
• Experience with IMS/DB and IMS/DC, including database operations and application development.
• Strong DB2 and SQL experience, including database queries, data manipulation, and application integration.
• Hands-on CICS programming experience supporting online transaction processing applications.
• Experience using SPUFI to execute SQL statements and troubleshoot DB2 database issues.
• Experience working with IBM mainframe operating systems, including z/OS and MVS.
• Knowledge of mainframe development tools and utilities such as JCL, TSO/ISPF, VSAM, and SORT.
• Experience analyzing, debugging, testing, and maintaining complex enterprise applications.
• Understanding of software development principles, database management, systems architecture, and application optimization.
• Ability to analyze technical requirements, troubleshoot complex programming issues, and develop effective solutions.
• Strong communication, documentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to work onsite in Downey, California, five days per week initially.

Even Better If You Have

• Experience with additional mainframe programming languages such as Assembler, Natural/SuperNatural, SAS, or MF FOCUS.
• Experience using IBM OPTIM, File Manager, ICEMAN/ICETOOLS, or other mainframe development utilities.
• Experience with CA Endevor, CA Gen (CoolGen), CA Spool, or CA OM Web Viewer.
• Knowledge of additional databases such as ADABAS or FOCUS.
• Experience with CLIST, FTP, DYL260/280, or other mainframe processing utilities.
• Familiarity with IBM WebSphere, EntireX, or other enterprise application integration technologies.
• Experience supporting large-scale enterprise or government IT systems.
• Experience improving application performance, reliability, scalability, and maintainability.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams to implement application enhancements and resolve production issues.
• Knowledge of information security practices, systems engineering principles, and application development standards.

What You’ll Receive
This position provides the opportunity to apply advanced mainframe programming expertise while supporting complex enterprise applications and critical IT systems. You'll gain hands-on involvement in application development, system enhancements, database management, troubleshooting, and ongoing mainframe operations.
You'll work with established IBM mainframe technologies, including COBOL, IMS, DB2, CICS, and SPUFI, while collaborating with technical teams to improve application performance, reliability, and functionality.
The position also offers the potential for a hybrid work arrangement after the initial six-month onsite period, depending on project requirements.
Our Commitment
Our client is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment where employees can contribute their technical expertise, develop professionally, and support essential technology operations. The organization values teamwork, innovation, continuous improvement, and the delivery of reliable, secure, and efficient IT solutions.
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