Mainframe Developer Job Description Template

Elements to include in the Mainframe Developer Job Description template

Mainframe Developer Job Description Template/Brief

As a Mainframe Developer, you will be responsible for the analysis, design, coding, testing, and documentation of new or modified applications developed on the IBM z/OS Mainframe platform. In addition to these duties, you will also be required to provide support for applications already in production.

In order to be successful in this role, you will need to have a strong working knowledge of COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, and IMS. You should also be familiar with DevOps concepts and tools such as Jenkins and Git. Additionally, good communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

Mainframe Developer Job Profile

Mainframe developers are responsible for the development, maintenance and support of software applications that run on mainframe computers. They work with a variety of programming languages, software tools and platforms to create high-performance, mission-critical applications.

Mainframe developers typically work in large organizations that rely heavily on mainframe systems for their business operations. They may work in a variety of industries, including banking, finance, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing and government.

Reports To

• Lead Engineer

Mainframe Developer Responsibilities

• Creating high-performance, mission-critical applications
• Analyzing user requirements and developing software solutions
• Ensuring software applications meet all performance and security requirements
• Working with other developers to create high-performance, scalable applications
• Researching new technologies and software development trends
• Providing technical support and troubleshooting
• Writing technical documentation

Mainframe Developer Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field
• 3+ years of experience in mainframe development
• Strong knowledge of COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2 and other mainframe technologies
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Experience with mainframe software development tools and platforms (z/OS, z/VM, z/Linux, IBM System z)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

The importance of a good Mainframe Developer job description

Job seekers typically spend very little time reading job postings and descriptions. They often skim through many listings when searching for a job, making it crucial to capture their attention quickly.

This means your job description must be good, crisp, and engaging to attract top candidates and convey important information swiftly. With increasing competition for top-tier skills, a well-structured job description is key.

Top organizations invest effort into crafting excellent job descriptions for several reasons: they attract suitable candidates, precisely and accurately represent the job role, and can help form the basis for an Mainframe Developer interview. Additionally, they help outline your requirements for your ideal candidate and provide an opportunity to display your company values to the public.

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Things to avoid when writing a job description for Mainframe Developer role

When crafting a job description for a Mainframe Developer role, it's important to strike the right balance between being thorough and being concise. Overloading the job description with unnecessary details can deter potential candidates and make the role seem more daunting than it actually is. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your job description is both appealing and effective.

Listing too many skills can overwhelm candidates and may discourage them from applying. Focus on the core competencies required for the role. For a detailed list of essential skills, refer to our post on skills required for Mainframe Developer role.

Using buzz words can make your job description sound generic and unappealing. Terms like 'synergy', 'leverage', 'paradigm shift', and 'disruptive' are often overused and can dilute the clarity of the role. Be specific about what the job entails instead of relying on jargon.

Overemphasizing academic qualifications can limit your pool of candidates. Many Mainframe Developers possess skills that are not taught in traditional academic settings, such as hands-on experience with legacy systems and problem-solving abilities. It's recommended to use an on-the-job skills test to evaluate these skills. Consider using our Mainframe Online Test to screen candidates effectively.

What skills are important for Mainframe Developer role?

To craft a good job description and hire the best candidates for a Mainframe Developer role, recruiters should know the key skills required to excel in the role. These include proficiency in COBOL, JCL, and CICS, as well as experience with mainframe databases and debugging tools.

For a detailed guide on the skills required for a Mainframe Developer, you can check out our comprehensive post here.

Identify the best Mainframe Developers for your open role

Crafting a compelling job description for a Mainframe Developer is just the first step in the hiring process. Once the applications start pouring in, recruiters are faced with the daunting task of sifting through numerous resumes to pinpoint the most suitable candidates. This challenge is compounded by the need to assess technical skills accurately, which are not always clearly demonstrated through resumes alone.

To streamline the candidate evaluation process, Adaface offers a suite of Mainframe Online Tests, COBOL Online Tests, and JCL Online Tests. These assessments are designed to help recruiters identify top talent efficiently by testing for the specific technical skills required for the role.

For recruiters eager to enhance their screening process, a quick product tour of Adaface's platform is available. Alternatively, to experience the full capabilities of the platform at no cost, recruiters can sign up for a free plan. This step is a practical approach to discovering how Adaface can facilitate the effective screening of candidates for your mainframe development roles.

Mainframe Developer Job Description FAQs

What is a Mainframe Developer?

A Mainframe Developer specializes in developing and maintaining applications on mainframe systems, typically using languages like COBOL, JCL, and CICS.

What are the key responsibilities of a Mainframe Developer?

Key responsibilities include coding, testing, debugging, and maintaining mainframe applications, as well as collaborating with other IT professionals to ensure system performance.

What skills are required for a Mainframe Developer?

Skills required include proficiency in COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, problem-solving abilities, and experience with mainframe tools and utilities.

Why is a good job description important for hiring a Mainframe Developer?

A good job description helps attract qualified candidates by clearly outlining the role, responsibilities, and required skills, making the hiring process more efficient.

What should be avoided when writing a Mainframe Developer job description?

Avoid vague language, unrealistic requirements, and overly lengthy descriptions. Be clear and concise to attract the right candidates.

Who does a Mainframe Developer typically report to?

A Mainframe Developer usually reports to an IT Manager, Project Manager, or a Senior Developer, depending on the organizational structure.

How can recruiters identify the best Mainframe Developers?

Look for candidates with strong technical skills, relevant experience, problem-solving abilities, and good references. Conduct thorough interviews and technical assessments.

What is the job profile of a Mainframe Developer?

The job profile includes developing, testing, and maintaining mainframe applications, ensuring system reliability, and collaborating with other IT team members.