Mainframe Specialist

Accenture•Detroit, MI

1d•$54,400 - $196,000•Remote

About The Position

Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to join our Mainframe Modernization practice and serve as a technical anchor for high-impact transformation programs. Depending on experience, this role may be filled at the Mainframe Specialist or Associate Manager level.

Requirements

Minimum 3+ years of hands-on mainframe development experience in one or more of: COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF.
Minimum 3+ years leading or executing mainframe modernization initiatives with a demonstrable track record of delivery.
Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent minimum 12 years’ work experience. (Associate’s Degree requires minimum 6 years’ work experience.)

Nice To Haves

Certifications in mainframe technologies (e.g., IBM Certified) and project management (e.g., PMP, SAFe).
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills—proven ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex legacy environments and craft innovative, pragmatic modernization solutions.
Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) as modernization targets.

Responsibilities

Serve as subject-matter expert across core mainframe technologies, providing hands-on guidance to project teams and clients.
Lead the design, development, and modernization of mainframe applications, enforcing best practices and architectural standards.
Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies—covering rehosting, refactoring, re-platforming, and reengineering approaches.
Oversee the implementation of approved modernization roadmaps, from inception through go-live.
Partner with cross-functional teams—architects, developers, QA, and business analysts—to gather requirements, analyze business needs, and deliver high-quality solutions.
Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for modernization investments.
Maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, providing expert guidance on strategy, risk, and solution design.
Mentor and coach junior team members, cultivating their mainframe and modernization skills.
Define and continuously refine the practice roadmap, aligning modernization initiatives with organizational goals.
Stay current with industry trends and emerging mainframe technologies, incorporating new capabilities into the practice.