Mainframe Systems Programmer

Robert Half is seeking a Senior Mainframe / AWS Developer to support an insurance and financial services organization. This role involves building APIs and integration layers to expose data and extend capabilities from legacy mainframe systems, while supporting ongoing maintenance and modernization efforts. The position is fully remote and is a contract-to-hire opportunity, with strong potential to convert to full time. Apply today!

Job Details

• Schedule: Core availability 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM PST
• Duration: Initial 4-month contract; contract-to-hire (3–6 month evaluation period)
• Location: Remote

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance IBM mainframe applications supporting legacy insurance and retirement systems
• Build and support APIs to expose mainframe data and functionality for downstream platforms
• Maintain and enhance COBOL-based systems, including batch processing and online transactions
• Support KTLO (Keep the Lights On) work, production stability, and system maintenance
• Collaborate with AWS-focused engineers on integration and modernization initiatives
• Participate in technical design discussions to ensure system reliability and scalability
• Contribute to ongoing enhancements rather than net-new policy systems

• 10 years of hands-on IBM mainframe development experience in production environments
• Strong experience with:
• COBOL
• CICS
• DB2
• JCL
• VSAM
• Experience building or supporting APIs on the mainframe
• Strong understanding of legacy systems, batch processing, and transaction-based architectures
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a distributed engineering team

AWS Experience (helpful but not required at all times)

• Experience with AWS services such as:
• EC2
• DynamoDB
• Lambda
• S3
• Experience with SOAP and/or REST integrations
• Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity and code quality
• Experience upgrading or supporting multiple versions of COBOL

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with Vantage or a similar annuity / insurance policy administration system
• Prior experience in insurance or financial services environments
• Experience bridging mainframe systems with cloud platforms

Additional Notes

• This team supports long-standing legacy systems that continue to power new business initiatives
• Work may be a mix of new capability development and maintenance
• The organization has strong employee retention and values long-term contributors
• This role is well-suited for someone seeking stability, ownership, and long-term impact

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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