Mainframe Developer- Montreal, QC (Relocation is MUST for Non-Local Candidates)

Role: Mainframe Developer

Montreal, QC- 3 days a week Onsite Reporting Must

Long Term Contract(6 Months to start with)

Experience: 7+ years

Skillset: Mainframes – Cobol, DB2, JCL, VSAM, CICS

Core Mainframe Fundamentals

MUST HAVE:

JCL: job setup, PROC/INCLUDE, condition codes, overrides, restart/rerun, dataset management.

COBOL: file/DB I/O, modularization, error handling, copybook usage, working storage vs linkage, performance considerations.

DB2: SQL (joins, correlated subqueries), embedded SQL in COBOL, bind/plan/package basics, commits/rollbacks, performance (indexes, access paths).

CICS (where applicable): pseudo‑conversational design, COMMAREA/Channels & Containers, MAP/MAPSET, task initiation/termination, error handling.

Mainframe Job Description

Key Responsibilities

1. Application Development & Maintenance

Design, develop, and enhance mainframe applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS, VSAM, and other IBM mainframe tools.

Maintain and optimize existing code to improve performance, reliability, and scalability.

Conduct root-cause analysis and resolve production issues within SLAs.

2. Systems Analysis & Design

Analyze business requirements and translate them into technical specifications.

Participate in architecture and design discussions for new modules and system enhancements.

Work with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of mainframe components.

3. Testing & Quality Assurance

Develop and execute unit, integration, and regression test cases.

Support QA teams in test planning and defect resolution.

Ensure compliance with coding standards, documentation, and audit requirements.

4. Production Support

Provide L2/L3 support for critical mainframe applications.

Monitor batch jobs and troubleshoot job failures and data issues.

Participate in on-call rotation for production support (if required).

5. Collaboration & Documentation

Work closely with business analysts, testers, and project managers to deliver high‑quality solutions.

Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including design specs, data flow diagrams, and operational procedures.

Participate in peer reviews to ensure code quality and knowledge sharing.

Technical Skills

Strong experience with:

COBOL (COBOL/370, COBOL II)

JCL (Job Control Language)

DB2 / SQL

CICS / IMS

VSAM

Batch and online processing

Hands-on experience with:

FileAid, Expeditor, Abend-AID, Changeman/Endevor, REXX scripts (optional)

Familiarity with mainframe modernization tools or cloud migration (nice-to-have).