Mainframe Dev & Support Lead

HCLTech•Holmdel, NJ

10d

About The Position

The Technical Lead to support the Mainframe applications while coordinating with Distributed system teams. The lead ensures system stability, meets SLAs, and enables continuous improvement through innovation, intelligent monitoring, and process optimization. This role includes ownership of planning, estimation, PI Planning participation, and driving automation.

Requirements

Core Mainframe: COBOL (advanced debugging, optimization, architecture understanding)
Core Mainframe: JCL (complex workflows, scheduling optimization, condition handling)
Core Mainframe: VSAM (file tuning, error handling, data management strategies)
Core Mainframe: DB2 (advanced SQL tuning, locking analysis, stored procedures)
Core Mainframe: CICS (performance tuning, debugging, region management)
Core Mainframe: MQ (message flows, error handling, integration patterns)
Distributed & Modern Technologies: REST/SOAP APIs and Microservices integration
Distributed & Modern Technologies: Working knowledge of Java-based applications
Distributed & Modern Technologies: Integration frameworks and middleware
Tools: Control-M (advanced scheduling, automation)
Tools: ServiceNow (incident/problem/change management)
Tools: ChangeMan (code promotion/version control)
Tools: Abend Aid, Expeditor, File Aid
Tools: Jira
Tools: Monitoring tools (Splunk, Dynatrace, AppDynamics)
Soft Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities under pressure
Soft Skills: Strong communication with business, executive stakeholders, and cross-functional teams
Soft Skills: Ownership mindset and focus on operational excellence
Soft Skills: Strong Agile mindset with PI Planning and SAFe experience
10+ years of experience in Mainframe development and support
Strong experience in estimation, PI Planning, and Agile delivery (SAFe preferred)
Hands-on exposure to Mainframe + Distributed systems integration

Responsibilities

Manage P1/P2 incidents, lead bridge calls, effective communication with stakeholders and coordinate with offshore team
Ensure timely response to ServiceNow incidents, problems, and change tasks
Conduct RCA and implement preventive and automated solutions
Perform development and provide solutioning
Perform effort estimation, capacity planning, and resource allocation for features, enhancements, and support work
Actively participate in PI Planning, Sprint Planning, backlog grooming, and Agile ceremonies
Coordinate with Distributed teams (Java, APIs, Microservices, Cloud) for seamless integration
Prepare or review technical designs ensuring performance, scalability, and maintainability
Guide teams in debugging complex issues across COBOL, CICS, DB2, MQ, and integrated systems
Oversee DB2 tuning, batch optimization, and system performance improvements
Lead automation initiatives to reduce manual effort in batch monitoring, incident resolution, and deployments
Leverage tools/scripts for auto-recovery, job restart, and performance trend analysis
Oversee release and deployment management using ChangeMan
Ensure compliance with change management, audit, and regulatory requirements
Drive continuous improvement using KPIs, SLAs, and operational metrics
Act as a liaison between business stakeholders, Mainframe, and Distributed teams