Mainframe Technical Lead

Key Responsibilities

• · Analyze 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 optimize 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.
• · Use TSO/ISPF, SDSF, File-AID, SPUFI, and other Mainframe tools for development and debugging.
• · Collaborate 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.

Required Qualifications

• · Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• · 8–10 years of hands-on Mainframe development experience.
• · Strong programming expertise in COBOL.
• · Extensive experience with DB2 database design, SQL development, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• · 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 environments.
• · Knowledge of Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• · Experience with application support, incident management, and release management.

Why Apply?

Salary and Other Compensation

• The annual salary for this position is between CAD 95K and CAD 112K, depending on the successful candidate’s experience and other qualifications.
• 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.

Benefits

• Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
• · Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• · Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• · 401(k) plan and contributions
• · Long-term and short-term disability
• · Paid parental leave
• · Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer

Important Disclaimers

Application Deadline

• Applications for this position will be accepted until November 7, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as the posting may close sooner if a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is identified.