Mainframe Developer

GSK Solutions Inc is seeking a Senior Mainframe Database Migration Specialist to lead IMS data migrations to modern systems. This contract role operates on a hybrid onsite basis in Hartford, CT and requires strong COBOL and JCL expertise, with a compensation range of USD 65 - 70 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Assess current mainframe applications, databases, files, and batch workflows to inform migration activities.
• Architect and implement data extraction routines from IMS databases and legacy mainframe sources.
• Develop, modify, and maintain JCL for data extracts, file transfers, conversion steps, and migration tests.
• Analyze COBOL programs and modify code to support extraction, transformation, validation, and reconciliation needs.
• Update FTP and SFTP processes to ensure secure transmission of migration files between source and target environments.
• Leverage IMS utilities and BMC IMS utilities to unload, extract, validate, and reconcile database content.
• Create and execute data validation and reconciliation procedures to preserve data integrity throughout the migration lifecycle.
• Support file mapping, field level transformation logic, and data conversion specifications.
• Troubleshoot batch failures, abends, data discrepancies, and performance issues related to migration processing.
• Collaborate with DBAs, architects, business analysts, and project teams to define migration requirements and address technical challenges.
• Produce technical documentation, migration runbooks, implementation procedures, and production support materials.
• Contribute to migration testing, system integration testing, user acceptance testing, and production deployment activities.
• Provide production support during cutover and post-implementation stabilization periods.
• Identify automation opportunities using CLIST, REXX, File-AID, and other mainframe utilities.
• Ensure adherence to enterprise change management, security, and audit requirements.

Requirements

• More than 10 years of mainframe development experience.
• Expert-level COBOL programming proficiency.
• Strong JCL development and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Extensive IMS database experience.
• Experience with BMC Utilities for IMS.
• Experience developing large-scale data extracts and conversion processes.
• Solid understanding of FTP and SFTP file transfer methodologies.
• Proven track record supporting enterprise data migration or modernization initiatives.
• Experience performing data analysis, reconciliation, and validation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a deadline-driven environment.

Technologies

• COBOL
• JCL
• IMS Database
• IMS Utilities
• BMC Utilities for IMS
• File-AID
• CLIST
• REXX
• EZtrieve
• FTP
• SFTP

Top Skills and Years of Experience

• 10+ years of mainframe development experience
• Expert COBOL programming proficiency
• Strong JCL development and troubleshooting capabilities
• Extensive IMS database experience
• Experience with BMC Utilities for IMS
• Experience developing large-scale data extracts and conversion processes
• Solid understanding of FTP/SFTP file transfer methodologies
• Proven experience supporting enterprise data migration or modernization initiatives
• Experience performing data analysis, reconciliation, and validation
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a deadline-driven environment

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of mainframe development experience
• Expert COBOL programming experience
• Strong JCL development and troubleshooting skills
• Extensive IMS database experience
• Experience with BMC Utilities for IMS
• Experience developing large-scale data extracts and conversion processes
• Strong understanding of FTP/SFTP file transfer methodologies
• Proven experience supporting enterprise data migration or modernization initiatives
• Experience performing data analysis, reconciliation, and validation
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a deadline-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with File-AID
• Experience with EZtrieve
• Experience with CLIST and REXX automation
• Prior experience with legacy modernization or cloud migration projects
• Experience supporting financial services, insurance, healthcare, or government mainframe environments

Critical Success Factors

• Ability to quickly assess complex legacy environments
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Ability to meet aggressive deadlines and deliver high-quality migration solutions under tight timelines

Experience

• IMS databases: 3 years (Preferred)
• JCL: 4 years (Required)
• FTP/SFTP file transfer: 1 year (Preferred)