z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect

About the role

As a TPF Resource, you will make an impact by designing, developing, and supporting mission‑critical, high‑availability systems on IBM z/TPF platforms. You will be a valued member of a specialized engineering team and will work closely with architects, SMEs, and distributed teams to maintain and modernize legacy transaction‑processing environments.

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

In this role, you will:

Design, develop, and debug applications using IBM z/TPF, Assembler (BAL), and z/TPFDF macros

Provide architectural and technical expertise for TPF communications and middleware integrations

Work with messaging and communication protocols including EDIFACT, TTY, XML, JSON, and TCP/IP‑based integrations

Troubleshoot complex production issues by recreating scenarios, performing root‑cause analysis, and delivering sustainable fixes

Collaborate closely with triage teams, onshore architects, and offshore engineers

Apply test‑driven development, execute unit test plans, and contribute across the SDLC

Prepare, analyze, and review system and technical documentation

Promote adherence to engineering standards and contribute to continuous process improvements

Work model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of 2-3 days per week onsite at a Cognizant or client office in Colorado.

Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on project, business, or client needs. We will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

10+ years of Strong hands‑on experience with IBM z/TPF / TPF (ALCS) environments

Proficiency with IBM BAL (Assembler), z/TPFDF, and general service macros

Experience using TPF Toolkit, TPF GI, and TPF test tools

Solid understanding of z/TPF concepts, structures, and SPM

Experience with legacy messaging and communication protocols (EDIFACT, TTY, MATIP, MQ, Host‑to‑Host)

Knowledge of middleware communication, networking fundamentals, and TCP/IP protocols

Comfort working in z/VM CMS environments

Strong English communication skills and ability to serve as a technical point of contact

These will help you stand out

Experience with C/C++ on z/TPF or Linux platforms

Working knowledge of Linux file systems and tools

Exposure to hybrid cloud environments

Familiarity with loosely coupled TPF images, VPARS, and IPL concepts

Interest in modernizing legacy platforms while maintaining stability and performance

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

Please note: This role will require an in-person meet and greet at our Cognizant offices or client location.

Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT or equivalent

Applications will be accepted until April 14th, 2026.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $116,100 to $183,500 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

About Cognizant:

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information

Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.