> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/249990-mainframe-z-os-technical-lead-l3-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/249990-mainframe-z-os-technical-lead-l3-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Mainframe z/OS Technical Lead / L3 Engineer - **Company:** Job Cloud Inc. - **Location:** McLean, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $128,960.0 - $135,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Batch Processing, Customer Information Control System (CICS), COBOL (Programming Language), IBM DB2, Disaster Recovery, IBM Parallel Sysplex, Job Control Language (JCL), Mainframes, Performance Tuning, IBM Resource Access Control Facility, Z/OS, System Availability, Technical Debt - **Published:** May 29, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=39a2e65315f1b99e ## About the Role Do you have experience in Vendor relationship management?, * 10+ years of extensive hands-on mainframe engineering experience * Advanced expertise in z/OS, IMS, DB2, and CICS environments * Strong working knowledge of JCL, COBOL, and batch processing operations * Experience supporting vendor-managed or outsourced mainframe infrastructures * Ability to guide, influence, and challenge vendors effectively in technical discussions Preferred Skills * Exposure to mainframe modernization or optimization initiatives * Familiarity with ITIL processes ## Description Seeking a senior-level Mainframe z/OS Technical Lead to serve as the client-side Subject Matter Expert responsible for overseeing outsourced mainframe services while providing leadership and technical direction to a small internal team., * Manage technical governance and oversight for vendor-operated mainframe environments * Monitor and review daily operations, incidents, root cause analysis (RCA), releases, and change activities * Ensure vendor compliance with SLAs, operational standards, and ITIL processes * Function as the escalation lead for complex mainframe-related technical issues * Deliver expert-level support and guidance across z/OS, Sysplex, WLM, JES, and RACF environments * Supervise and review IMS (DB/DC), DB2 for z/OS, and CICS platform operations * Evaluate system availability, stability, capacity, and performance metrics * Drive recommendations focused on automation, performance tuning, and cost optimization initiatives * Identify technical debt, operational risks, and opportunities for modernization improvements * Review and validate disaster recovery (DR), backup, recovery, and business continuity planning (BCP) strategies * Provide architectural recommendations for future-state planning, platform enhancements, and upgrade initiatives * Present technical assessments and operational insights to leadership teams and stakeholders in a clear manner ## Related Videos - [".Net is too slow" was not an option](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100176-net-is-too-slow-was-not-an-option) - [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) - [Data Fabric in Action - How to enhance a Stock Trading App with ML and Data Virtualization](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/253-data-fabric-in-action-how-to-enhance-a-stock-trading-app-with-ml-and-data-virtualization) - [Building with IBM Bob](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100275-building-with-ibm-bob) - [Migrating from COBOL with AI: A Moonshot Demo](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1531-migrating-from-cobol-with-ai-a-moonshot-demo) - [Grappling With Clunky Old Software? Start by Understanding What’s Inside!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1189-grappling-with-clunky-old-software-start-by-understanding-what-s-inside) ## Related Articles - [7 Cloud Computing Trends Coming in 2025 for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/412-7-cloud-computing-trends-coming-in-2025-for-developers) - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [93 Java Interview Questions You Should Prepare For](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/14-93-java-interview-questions-you-should-prepare-for) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [The Best Software Developer Blogs to Read](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/156-the-best-software-developer-blogs-to-read)