MAINFRAME - Developer

Zensar•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Zensar is looking for an IBM Mainframe Developer with strong COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and CICS experience to design, build, and support high-volume retail systems. You’ll work across batch and online processing, partnering with cross-functional teams to enhance core retail platforms such as merchandising, inventory, pricing, promotions, store operations, and order management.

Requirements

Core Mainframe: COBOL, JCL, DB2 (SQL, Stored Procedures), VSAM, CICS, TSO/ISPF, SDSF.
Debugging/Tools: Abend-AID, Xpediter, File-AID (or equivalent), QMF/SPUFI/DSNTEP2.
Schedulers: CA-7 / Control-M (job setup, dependencies, reruns).
Messaging & Integration: IBM MQ; file transfers (SFTP/Connect:Direct); knowledge of z/OS Connect is a plus.
Retail Domain: Understanding of SKU/item master, store hierarchy, inventory adjustments, price & promo, sales audit, EOD/EOM cycles, and replenishment.
SDLC & Agile: User stories, estimations, code reviews, test-driven mindset, CI/CD familiarity.
Soft Skills: Strong analysis, stakeholder communication, and ownership mindset.
Education: Bachelor’s in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent practical experience.

Nice To Haves

Certifications (Optional): IBM Mainframe Application Developer, DB2, or CICS certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

Design & Development: Build and maintain COBOL programs, JCL, and DB2/VSAM datasets for batch and CICS online applications.
Enhancements & Projects: Analyze business requirements and translate them into technical specs, detailed designs, and robust code.
Production Support: Triage and resolve incidents (ABENDs, performance issues), perform root cause analysis, and implement permanent fixes.
Data & Integration: Develop interfaces (files, MQ, APIs/z/OS Connect) to integrate with POS, ERP, OMS, eCommerce, and data platforms.
Performance & Reliability: Optimize SQL, improve batch windows, and tune CICS transactions for scale and stability.
Quality Engineering: Create unit/integration test cases, support UAT, and ensure regression coverage for releases.
Change & Release: Use change management tools (e.g., Endevor/Changeman) and CI/CD pipelines (where applicable) for controlled releases.
Documentation: Produce and maintain tech specs, job flows, data mappings, runbooks, and operational procedures.
Compliance & Security: Follow SOX/PII standards, RACF practices, and audit-ready change controls.
Collaboration: Work closely with product owners, BAs, architects, QA, and SRE/operations teams in Agile/Scrum or Kanban environments.