Mainframe Application Developer

Knowledge Services

. Design, develop, test, and support enhancements to existing mainframe applications used across State of North Dakota programs .

Posted 10/27/2026contractRemote • North Dakota • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in COBOL and Natural programming for mainframe applications, with strong capabilities in JCL, testing, and technical documentation. Proficient in collaborating within Agile teams and providing production support in a 24×7 environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

COBOL DevelopmentNatural ProgrammingJCL Authoring and TroubleshootingAgile MethodologiesTechnical Writing

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

COBOLNaturalJCLADABASDB2SQLPL/SQL DeveloperTesting DisciplineDefect ManagementRoot-Cause Analysis

Soft Skills

Detail-OrientedOrganizedDependable Follow-ThroughClear CommunicationInformal Mentorship

Tools & Technologies

QMFVisioEndevorChangeManISPWControl-MCA 7TWSMQFile-Based Interfaces

Industry Keywords

Mainframe DevelopmentPublic SectorEnterprise EnvironmentsState GovernmentRegulated Industry

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

OracleSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, develop, test, and support enhancements to existing mainframe applications used across State of North Dakota programs
Translate business requirements into practical technical solutions
Analyze requirements and produce technical designs for moderate to complex changes
Create and update program specifications, data mappings, flow diagrams, and other design documentation
Walk through designs with stakeholders for approval
Recommend incremental improvements aligned with existing architecture
Develop and maintain COBOL and/or Natural programs
Author and troubleshoot JCL for batch processes, job streams, and error handling
Build test scenarios and perform unit, system, and acceptance testing; document results
Participate in peer code reviews
Maintain runbooks, deployment notes, and solution documentation
Provide production support in a rotational 24×7 on-call model
Perform root-cause analysis and implement fixes
Provide time and effort estimates for work items and small enhancements
Participate in Agile ceremonies including stand-ups, planning, reviews, and retrospectives
Document tickets, decisions, and work acceptance in team tools
Collaborate with Agile teams and mentor peers informally on standards and procedures

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of mainframe development in enterprise settings (or equivalent)
Proficient in COBOL, including maintenance and net-new development
Proficient in Natural, including maintenance and net-new development
Strong working knowledge of JCL, including batch authoring, scheduling handoff, and troubleshooting
Experience with ADABAS and DB2, including queries, data analysis, and performance basics
Familiarity with Oracle concepts and SQL tooling such as PL/SQL Developer or equivalent
Comfortable with QMF and Visio or equivalent tools
Solid testing discipline and defect management
Strong technical writing skills for design documents, runbooks, and change notes
Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders
Detail-oriented, organized, and dependable follow-through
Preferred: experience with Natural/ADABAS in public sector or large enterprise environments
Preferred: exposure to mainframe CI/CD and change tools such as Endevor, ChangeMan, and ISPW
Preferred: familiarity with job scheduling platforms such as Control-M, CA 7, and TWS
Preferred: integration experience with MQ, file-based interfaces, or service layers
Preferred: prior participation in rotational on-call support
Preferred: informal mentorship or focal-point experience
Preferred: state government or regulated industry experience
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field is preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

12-month contract with potential for extension
100% remote work
Shared 24×7 on-call rotation
Equal opportunity employment
Disability accommodations available