Back End Developer - Mainframe

The client is seeking a Senior Software Developer – Back End (Mainframe) to support the analysis, design, development, testing, and maintenance of mainframe applications within the Labour and Transportation Cluster. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in PL/I programming, IMS databases, DB2 for z/OS, mainframe application development, and client/server integration. Experience supporting driver licensing, vehicle registration, and transportation safety systems within a public-sector environment is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing systems, including logical and physical designs, application architecture, and code structures.
• Assess technical database requirements and identify necessary changes to support new system functionality.
• Collaborate with DBAs and data management teams to coordinate database modifications.
• Prepare technical specifications in accordance with Ontario Public Service (OPS) standards.
• Participate in Joint Application Development (JAD) sessions, technical walkthroughs, and design sign-off activities.
• Develop new code and modify existing online, batch, and workstation applications.
• Develop and maintain mainframe PL/I transactions that process XML input and output and integrate with non-mainframe web services.
• Support mainframe-to-mid-tier integration using IMS Connect.
• Collaborate with mid-tier developers, business analysts, QA teams, and other technical stakeholders.
• Use ministry-mandated source control and code management tools.
• Provide regular project status updates to the Project Manager and/or Lead Technical Coordinator.
• Follow OPS technical standards, policies, and procedures.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer to RUS and I&IT Cluster staff throughout the assignment.

Must-Have Skills

• Recent hands-on experience with PL/I V4.5 or higher within the last 5 years.
• 5+ years of experience developing mainframe PL/I transactions that process XML input/output and integrate with non-mainframe web services.
• Experience with IBM z/OS V2.2 or higher.
• Strong experience with IMS DB V12+, including HALDB and DEDB, using the PLITDLI API.
• Experience with DB2 for z/OS V11 or higher.
• Expertise in File-AID V10.1+ or IBM File Manager V13.1+.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• 10+ years of programming and systems analysis experience.
• Experience with Fujitsu NetCOBOL V4 or higher.
• Experience designing Windows client applications that interact with IMS TM applications.
• Hands-on experience with IBM Debug Tool, Abend-AID or IBM Fault Analyzer, and DFSORT.
• Experience with Endevor and Harvest source control tools.
• Experience developing checkpoint-restartable IMS BMPs.
• Knowledge of mainframe screen handling (MFS) and SCREENIO.
• Experience with Visual Studio 2008+ and Visual Studio Debugger.
• Knowledge of Ontario driver licensing, vehicle registration, and transportation safety systems.
• Previous experience working within Ontario Public Service or other public-sector environments.