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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Mainframe Modernization SME - **Company:** IBM - **Location:** Reston, VA, United States - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Applications Architecture, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Engineering, Data Migration, IBM Cloud Computing, Mainframes, Performance Tuning, Systems Integration, Google Cloud, Generative AI, HybridCloud, Containerization, Api Design, Docker, Legacy Systems, Microservices - **Published:** July 1, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9006276/mainframe-modernization-sme ## About the Role Bachelor's Degree Preferred education Bachelor's Degree Required technical and professional expertise * Deep Expertise in Cloud-Native Architecture: Experience with designing and guiding the transformation of legacy systems into modern, scalable, and cloud-native architectures across cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, IBM Cloud, and Google Cloud. * Microservices and API Design Expertise: Experience with creating microservices, APIs, data models, and integration patterns that support modular, scalable, and maintainable applications. * Containerization Strategy Development: Experience with developing containerization and orchestration strategies using Docker and Kubernetes to ensure secure, resilient, and compliant systems. * Generative AI Technology Integration: Experience with integrating generative AI technologies, such as Watson and Azure OpenAI, into modernized applications. * Testing Governance and Performance Optimization: Experience with developing and implementing robust testing governance and performance optimization throughout the modernization lifecycle. * Must possess and have the ability to maintain DoD Secret clearance. Preferred technical and professional experience * Familiarity with Mainframe Z: Knowledge of legacy system integration, including Mainframe Z, is beneficial for hybrid cloud deployments and data migration. * Exposure to ICA Tools: Experience with IBM Cloud Automation (ICA) tools can aid in developing modernization roadmaps and streamlining the application modernization process. * Understanding of AMM Methodology: Familiarity with the Application Modernization Method (AMM) can facilitate the creation of effective modernization roadmaps and strategies. ## Description As an Application Architect specializing in Application Modernization, you will design and guide the transformation of legacy mainframe systems into modern, scalable, and cloud-native architectures. You will combine deep technical expertise with strategic vision to ensure that applications are restructured, replatformed, or refactored to align with current business needs and future growth. Your primary responsibilities will include: * Lead End-to-End Architecture: Design and guide the transformation of legacy systems into modern, scalable, and cloud-native architectures across cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, IBM Cloud, and Google Cloud. * Design Microservices and APIs: Create microservices, APIs, data models, and integration patterns that support modular, scalable, and maintainable applications. * Define modernization strategies: Develop modernization strategy based on client pain points and outcomes * Guide AI Adoption: Collaborate with development teams to integrate generative AI technologies, such as Watson and Azure OpenAI, into modernized applications. * Ensure Testing Governance: Develop and implement robust testing governance and performance optimization throughout the modernization lifecycle. ## Related Videos - [Building with IBM Bob](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100275-building-with-ibm-bob) - [Cloud as the new mainframe: why the cloud hype does not reflect the dev reality](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/797-cloud-as-the-new-mainframe-why-the-cloud-hype-does-not-reflect-the-dev-reality) - [API Design - Getting Started](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/33-api-design-getting-started) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Migrating from COBOL with AI: A Moonshot Demo](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1531-migrating-from-cobol-with-ai-a-moonshot-demo) - [".Net is too slow" was not an option](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100176-net-is-too-slow-was-not-an-option) ## Related Articles - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [7 Cloud Computing Trends Coming in 2025 for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/412-7-cloud-computing-trends-coming-in-2025-for-developers) - [Why Upskilling And Reskilling is Important For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/428-why-upskilling-and-reskilling-is-important-for-developers) - [Now is the time for industrialized software development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/601-now-is-the-time-for-industrialized-software-development) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift)