MAINFRAME DEVELOPER

Novalink Solutions LLC•Des Moines, IA

18h

About The Position

The Mainframe Developer will support the integration and transition between the legacy Child Support Enforcement system (ICAR) and the new statewide Eligibility Determination system (EDEN). The role focuses on analyzing, developing, testing, deploying, and supporting mainframe applications and interfaces that enable reliable file-based data exchange and batch processing during a modernization initiative. The developer will design, develop, modify, test, and support COBOL and JCL programs, batch processes, and interfaces. The work includes updating file layouts, data mappings, transformation logic, validation routines, batch workflows, GDG structures, and VSAM datasets; supporting applications that interact with IDMS; and helping replace legacy eligibility data sources with EDEN-derived data. The role also includes technical analysis and documentation, unit and integration testing, defect resolution, deployment and cutover support, production troubleshooting, and collaboration with project managers, business analysts, architects, developers, testers, and stakeholders. This is a 6-month project. The selected candidate is expected to deliver high-quality code and interface enhancements, support reliable data exchange, minimize disruption during the transition, contribute to testing and deployment, and maintain system stability throughout modernization activities.

Requirements

Hands-on mainframe development experience.
Strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, and batch processing.
At least 3 years of COBOL programming experience.
At least 3 years of JCL experience.
At least 3 years of experience with VSAM datasets, indexing, and REPRO/DEFINE utilities.
At least 3 years of IDMS database development and support experience.
At least 3 years of batch processing development and support experience.
Experience with IDMS or comparable mainframe database technologies.
Experience with VSAM datasets and file-processing applications.
Demonstrated experience supporting application integrations and data exchange processes.
Experience analyzing and modifying legacy systems.
Experience designing and parsing flat files.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Experience with data transformation and interface mapping, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting.

Nice To Haves

ADS/O experience.
Experience supporting Child Support Enforcement systems or Human Services programs.
Experience with eligibility systems, public assistance systems, or government modernization initiatives.
Experience with large-scale legacy modernization projects.
Knowledge of production support, release management, and deployment practices.
Experience working in Agile or hybrid project environments.
Experience with FTP/SFTP processing, file transfer automation, and scheduling tools such as CA7, Control-M, or equivalent enterprise scheduling platforms.

Responsibilities

Develop, enhance, and maintain COBOL and JCL programs that process interface files between ICAR and EDEN.
Modify file layouts, data mappings, transformation logic, and validation routines based on business and technical requirements.
Enhance batch processing workflows, GDG structures, and VSAM datasets for evolving integration requirements.
Support modernization by replacing legacy eligibility data sources with EDEN-derived data.
Maintain and troubleshoot existing production processes and interfaces.
Translate business and functional requirements into technical design specifications.
Analyze mainframe applications and integration points to determine the impact of system changes.
Modify and support applications that interact with IDMS databases, including schema and subschema navigation.
Analyze inbound and outbound interfaces at record and field level; identify dependencies, integration touchpoints, and risks associated with parallel operation of legacy and modern systems.
Create and maintain technical documentation, process flows, program specifications, and interface designs.
Develop unit test scenarios and execute testing of mainframe applications and batch jobs.
Support system, integration, regression, and user acceptance testing; investigate and resolve defects.
Validate end-to-end data processing and file exchanges, data quality, processing accuracy, and compliance with business requirements.
Create and maintain JCL, procedures (PROCs), scheduling definitions, and operational documentation.
Support implementation, migration, and production deployment activities, including cutover planning and execution.
Troubleshoot production incidents, file processing failures, and data discrepancies.
Develop operational runbooks, monitoring procedures, and post-deployment support documentation.
Collaborate with project managers, business analysts, developers, testers, and business stakeholders; participate in design reviews, technical walkthroughs, sprint planning, and status meetings.
Communicate technical risks, issues, dependencies, and recommendations, and support knowledge transfer and project documentation.