Lead Mainframe Software Engineer

Location: Buffalo, NY (onsite 3 days a week)

Remote with monthly travel for candidates with the nice-to-have skills

Job Summary:

Our banking client is modernizing its consumer lending systems by transitioning multiple mainframe interfaces to a more agile and DevOps-driven environment. They need a hands-on Lead Mainframe Software Engineer who can quickly grasp complex systems and help migrate source code from the mainframe to Git. Using IBM’s IDz for a modernized development experience, the team will implement DevOps toolsets like GitLab, Sonar, automated testing, and Ansible. Future phases include pipeline setups, cloud distribution, and innovative automation to drive efficiency and scalability.

Key Responsibilities:

• 100% Hands-on Mainframe programming
• 5-10% lead / people management.
• End-to-end solution architecture and design
• Collaborate closely with business analysts to translate business requirements into technical solutions, breaking down complex processes and ensuring functional alignment.
• Solve complex problems with innovative, out-of-the-box solutions to modernize legacy systems and improve efficiency.
• Build strong partnerships across teams, ensuring clear communication, organization, and alignment throughout project phases.
  
  
  

Must-Have Requirements:

• Mainframe programming skills (COBOL, CICS, VSAM, JCL, MQ, CA7, Xpeditor, ISPF) are a must
• Demonstrate ability to accomplish complex solution design and architecture, development, testing, and deployment within the traditional IBM Mainframe environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to dive into details, think big-picture, and provide code-centric solutions.
  
  
  

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Experience with IBM’s modern z development platforms (IDz, zDIH, ADDI, DBB, z/OS Connect).
• Familiarity with distributed systems, DevOps tools, and practices, including Gitlab, Sonar, automated testing, and Ansible.
• Banking/Consumer Lending background preferably with the Shaw application (used for loans and lines of credit) and Hogan system.
  
  
  

Heitmeyer Consulting is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to minority status, gender, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.