Senior Mainframe Developer - Hybrid

About the Position

Senior Mainframe Developer - Hybrid

We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe Developer with 8+ years of experience in designing, developing, enhancing, and supporting enterprise-scale Mainframe applications. The ideal candidate should possess strong expertise in Cobol, DB2, Host/Mainframe, IDz, IMS, DC/DB, ISPF, JCL, Mainframe, Mainframe application design, Endevor, SAS, ServiceNow, TIBCO MFT, TSO, VSAM, zOS with hands-on experience in application development, production support, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.

Important Disclaimers:

Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.

Location: Toronto - ON

Work model: Hybrid

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Toronto, Ontario. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

Responsibilities

• Analyse business requirements and prepare technical design specifications.
• Design, develop, test, and maintain Mainframe applications using COBOL, DB2, JCL, and VSAM.
• Develop and modify batch and online processing programs to meet business requirements.
• Create, maintain, and troubleshoot JCLs, PROCs, and batch schedules.
• Write complex DB2 SQL queries and optimise database performance.
• Perform impact analysis, code reviews, unit testing, system testing, and production implementation.
• Support production incidents, perform root cause analysis, and implement permanent fixes.
• Utilise TSO/ISPF, SDSF, File-AID, SPUFI, and other Mainframe tools for development and debugging activities.
• Work closely with business analysts, testing teams, and stakeholders throughout the SDLC.
• Prepare technical documentation, implementation plans, and operational procedures.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, stand-ups, retrospectives, and release activities.
• Mentor junior developers and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of hands-on Mainframe development experience.
• Strong programming expertise in COBOL.
• Extensive experience with DB2 database design, SQL coding, and performance tuning.
• Strong knowledge of JCL, VSAM, and Mainframe batch processing.
• Hands-on experience with TSO/ISPF and Mainframe utilities.
• Working knowledge of SAS for reporting, data analysis, and processing.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Endevor, File-AID, Abend-AID, Expeditor, Control-M, and ChangeMan.
• Exposure to Mainframe modernization initiatives.
• Experience in Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, or Retail domains.
• Knowledge of Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Experience in application support, incident management, and release management.

We Offer

Applications will be accepted until 11/10/2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $60K (CAD) – 117K (CAD) depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

About the Company

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process, and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes, and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or follow us on Twitter.

Things to know before you apply

• Work authorization: Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
• Accommodations: If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
• AI in hiring: We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help us screen and assess applications more efficiently. Our team performs additional human review and ultimately decides who moves forward in our hiring process.
• Open position: Unless otherwise stated, this job posting is for an open position on our team.
• Language proficiency: We ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
• Inclusion: Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local laws.