Mainframe Application Architect

At Kyndryl, we design, build, manage, and modernize the mission-critical technology systems the world depends on every day. We are seeking a Senior Mainframe Application Developer (COBOL) with strong application architecture expertise to join our Application Managed Services (AMS) team supporting a key public sector client.

In this role, you will partner directly with a state Department of Labor to maintain and enhance critical Unemployment Insurance systems while helping drive the modernization of Disability Insurance platforms. This is a highly visible, client-facing role where you will combine deep technical expertise with consultative problem-solving to deliver resilient, scalable solutions.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As a trusted technical advisor and developer, you will:

• Partner with client stakeholders to analyze business and architectural requirements and recommend scalable solutions
• Assess and manage interdependencies across complex mainframe applications
• Design, develop, and enhance applications on IBM z/OS platforms
• Translate business requirements into technical specifications and COBOL-based solutions
• Lead mainframe modernization efforts, including remediation and sunsetting of legacy applications
• Develop, test, and deploy high-quality code, ensuring performance, reliability, and maintainability
• Support production environments, including break/fix resolution and long-term remediation strategies
• Provide technical troubleshooting and issue resolution across development and production systems
• Contribute to documentation, knowledge sharing, and best practices across the team
• Mentor junior developers and contribute to building a high-performing AMS delivery team
• Participate in 24x7 on-call rotation and provide after-hours support as needed

• 12+ years of hands-on experience in COBOL development within IBM z/OS mainframe environments
• Strong expertise in IMS DB and DB2 (critical skill requirement)
• Advanced experience with CA7 scheduling
• Deep knowledge of mainframe technologies, including:
• JCL, CICS, VSAM, MQ, TSO, FTP
• Proven experience supporting production environments, including defect resolution and stabilization
• Experience across the full SDLC (Development * System Test * UAT * Production)
• Strong analytical skills with experience in application architecture and dependency analysis
• Familiarity with Agile and/or Waterfall delivery methodologies
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with mainframe modernization initiatives
• Familiarity with tools such as InterTest, Expediter, ServiceNow, Librarian
• Exposure to AWS Transform or cloud migration frameworks
• Experience using GitHub Copilot or AI-assisted development tools
• Prior experience working with public sector or government clients

Who You Are

• A client-focused technologist who thrives in complex, mission-critical environments
• A problem solver who can think architecturally while delivering hands-on development
• A collaborative partner who can communicate effectively with both technical and business stakeholders
• Someone who embraces continuous learning and modernization

• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future
• Requires participation in on-call rotation and occasional off-hours support

The compensation range for the position in the U.S. is - $143,640 to $273,000 based on a full-time schedule.

Your actual compensation may vary depending on your geography, job-related skills and experience. For part time roles, the compensation will be adjusted appropriately. The pay or salary range will not be below any applicable state, city or local minimum wage requirement.

There is a different applicable compensation range for the following work locations:

California (San Francisco Bay Area): $172,440 to $327,600

California (All Other): $158,040 to $300,360

Colorado: $143,640 to $273,000, This position will be eligible for Kyndryl's discretionary annual bonus program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Kyndryl's applicable plans. You may also receive a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical and dental coverage, disability, retirement benefits, paid leave, and paid time off. Note: If this is a sales commission eligible role, you will be eligible to participate in a sales commission plan in lieu of the annual discretionary bonus program.

At Kyndryl, we design, build, manage and modernize the mission-critical technology systems that the world depends on every day. So why work at Kyndryl? We are always moving forward - always pushing ourselves to go further in our efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive world for our employees, our customers and our communities., At Kyndryl, you'll work on systems that truly matter-supporting public services that impact millions of people. You'll have the opportunity to grow your skills, contribute to large-scale modernization programs, and collaborate with some of the best minds in the industry., Massachusetts: $143,640 to $300,360 New York City: $172,440 to $327,600 Washington: $158,040 to $300,360 Washington DC: $158,040 to $300,360, Diversity is a whole lot more than what we look like or where we come from, it's how we think and who we are. We welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. But we're not doing it single-handily: Our Kyndryl Inclusion Networks are only one of many ways we create a workplace where all Kyndryls can find and provide support and advice. This dedication to welcoming everyone into our company means that Kyndryl gives you - and everyone next to you - the ability to bring your whole self to work, individually and collectively, and support the activation of our equitable culture. That's the Kyndryl Way. What You Can Expect With state-of-the-art resources and Fortune 100 clients, every day is an opportunity to innovate, build new capabilities, new relationships, new processes, and new value. Kyndryl cares about your well-being and prides itself on offering benefits that give you choice, reflect the diversity of our employees and support you and your family through the moments that matter - wherever you are in your life journey. Our employee learning programs give you access to the best learning in the industry to receive certifications, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Skillsoft, and many more. Through our company-wide volunteering and giving platform, you can donate, start fundraisers, volunteer, and search over 2 million non-profit organizations. At Kyndryl, we invest heavily in you, we want you to succeed so that together, we will all succeed.