Backend Software Engineer (COBOL / Micro Focus)

Job Title: Backend Software Engineer (COBOL / Micro Focus)

Location: Toronto, ON

Work Style: Hybrid (Tue-Thurs 8:30 PM – 5:00 PM EST)

Experience Required: 6–8 years of backend development and application support experience, ideally involving COBOL, SQL, and scripting in enterprise environments

Role Overview:

The Backend Software Engineer will be responsible for enhancing, maintaining, and supporting enterprise applications built using COBOL in Micro Focus environments. The role includes Windows scripting for automation, SQL development using Oracle SQL Developer, application troubleshooting, and collaboration with business and technical stakeholders. The engineer will contribute to production support, code quality, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives within an Agile delivery framework.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Application Development & Maintenance

Develop, maintain, and enhance backend applications using COBOL within Micro Focus environments.

Analyze existing logic, data structures, and system flows to implement enhancements, performance improvements, and defect fixes.

Write structured, maintainable code following engineering best practices.

2. Windows Scripting & Automation

Create and maintain Windows scripts to support batch processing, automation routines, and operational workflows.

Optimize and modernize automation scripts to improve system efficiency and reliability.

3. SQL & Database Development

Design, write, and optimize SQL queries, stored procedures, indexes, and database objects using Oracle SQL Developer.

Ensure data integrity, performance tuning, and efficient query execution.

Work with alternative data platforms such as Microsoft SQL and Azure SQL (added advantage).

4. Production Support & Troubleshooting

Support production systems by investigating issues, performing root cause analysis, and implementing timely resolutions.

Collaborate with application support, infrastructure, and QA teams to resolve system and data issues.

Provide on-call or after-hours support when required (if applicable).

5. Requirements Analysis & Collaboration

Partner with Business Analysts and stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions.

Participate in systems analysis, impact assessments, and technical feasibility discussions.

Contribute to Sprint ceremonies and Agile planning sessions.

6. Testing & Quality Assurance

Perform unit testing and support system, regression, and user acceptance testing activities.

Contribute to automated testing initiatives when applicable.

Ensure deliverables meet quality and compliance standards.

7. Documentation & Knowledge Sharing

Participate in code reviews, technical documentation, and knowledge transfer activities.

Maintain documentation for build processes, deployments, support guides, and architectural components.

Contribute to continuous improvement of development standards and best practices.

Essential Skills:

Strong experience developing and maintaining applications using COBOL in Micro Focus environments.

Experience creating and maintaining Windows scripts for automation and batch jobs.

Proficiency in Oracle SQL Developer, including SQL query optimization and stored procedures.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex systems.

Ability to collaborate with BA, QA, support, and stakeholder teams.

Understanding of Agile ways of working and iterative delivery.

Experience with:

Microsoft SQL, Azure SQL

Azure Cloud Services (AKS, Service Bus, Redis, ADX)

New Relic or other observability tools

Knowledge of Insurance domain or related business processes

Familiarity with system modernization initiatives or hybrid mainframe/cloud transitions.