Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Principal Architect - Mainframe Modernization to lead our enterprise transformation initiatives. This senior technical leadership role requires deep expertise in mainframe technologies, DevOps modernization, and strategic architecture planning. You will architect and implement modern development practices, toolchains, and processes to transform legacy mainframe environments into agile, DevOps-enabled platforms.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute comprehensive mainframe modernization roadmaps and strategies
- Lead enterprise-wide transformation from traditional mainframe development to modern DevOps practices
- Architect hybrid solutions integrating mainframe systems with cloud and distributed platforms
- Establish governance frameworks, standards, and best practices for mainframe modernization
Technical Architecture
- Design and implement modern CI/CD pipelines for mainframe applications using Git, Bitbucket, GitLab, and Jenkins
- Architect source code management modernization from Endevor to Git-based systems
- Implement IBM Dependency Based Build (DBB) for automated build processes
- Configure and optimize IBM Developer for z/OS (IDz) for modern development workflows
- Design DB2 database modernization and integration strategies
- Implement infrastructure automation using Ansible for mainframe environments
Toolchain Implementation
- Lead migration from traditional SCM (Endevor) to modern Git-based systems (Bitbucket, GitLab)
- Implement and configure IBM DBB for automated dependency-based builds
- Establish IDz development environments with modern plugin architectures
- Design and implement mainframe DevOps toolchain integrations
- Develop automation scripts using Groovy, Python, and shell scripting
Team Leadership & Mentoring
- Mentor development teams on modern mainframe development practices
- Train traditional mainframe developers on Git, IDz, and modern tooling
- Lead cross-functional teams through modernization initiatives
- Establish center of excellence for mainframe modernization
Required Qualifications
Technical Expertise
- 5 + years of mainframe architecture and development experience
- Expert-level knowledge of mainframe technologies: COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM
- Deep hands-on experience with mainframe modernization tools:
- Git, Bitbucket, GitLab (SCM migration and administration)
- IBM Developer for z/OS (IDz) configuration and optimization
- IBM Dependency Based Build (DBB) implementation
- CA-Endevor administration and migration experience
- Proven experience leading large-scale legacy mainframe application development to a modern CI/CD Pipeline
- Strong knowledge of z/OS, UNIX System Services (USS) and shell scripting
Architecture Skills
- Enterprise architecture design and implementation
- CI/CD pipeline design for mainframe environments
- Hybrid cloud integration architecture
- Security and compliance framework design
Leadership Qualifications
- Proven experience leading enterprise-scale modernization programs
- Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills
- Strong mentoring and team development capabilities
- Strategic thinking and business alignment skills
Nice to have Knowledge
- Experience with Broadcom CA-Endevor Bridge for Git
- Knowledge of Zowe framework and modern mainframe interfaces
- Cloud platform experience
- Containerization and microservices architecture knowledge
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field preferred
- Relevant certifications (IBM DevOps tooling, open source DevOps tooling) preferred
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses
