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Mainframe Developer

00069891571

Mainframe Developer

About the role

As a Mainframe Modernization Enterprise Architect, you will make an impact by leading the target-state architecture for a large-scale legacy modernization program across a complex portfolio of applications. You will be a valued member of the technology delivery team and work collaboratively with client stakeholders, architecture leaders, engineering teams, and GenAI-enabled delivery workstreams.

In this role, you will:

  • Own the end-to-end target-state architecture across legacy decomposition, API layer, front-end, data, cloud, and integration patterns for a portfolio of approximately 50 applications.
  • Define modernization sequencing and architecture runway based on application complexity, dependencies, risks, and business priorities.
  • Lead architecture governance, including Architecture Review Boards, solution design approvals, reusable standards, and technical decision-making across parallel teams.
  • Guide the extraction and validation of business rules, data structures, control flow, and requirements from COBOL, JCL, copybooks, CICS, VSAM/DB2, and other mainframe artifacts.
  • Define architecture and orchestration standards for Claude-based GenAI agents supporting automated COBOL rule extraction, forward engineering, Java service generation, Angular component generation, and test-case creation.
  • Establish prompt engineering standards, agent evaluation criteria, human-in-the-loop validation checkpoints, and guardrails for accuracy, auditability, and hallucination risk.
  • Define microservices, API, event-driven, Angular front-end, cloud, DevOps, observability, security, and quality standards across modernization teams.
  • Act as the technical escalation point across workstreams, tracking architecture KPIs such as extraction accuracy, code-generation acceptance rate, defect leakage, and migration velocity.

Work model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position in a client office in Hartford, CT. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

  • 15+ years of experience in software architecture, including 5+ years leading large-scale mainframe modernization or legacy transformation programs across multi-application portfolios.
  • Strong hands-on knowledge of legacy/mainframe technologies, including COBOL, JCL, CICS, VSAM/DB2, copybooks, batch processing, and online processing patterns.
  • Proven experience with reverse engineering, legacy code analysis, business rule extraction, requirement reconstruction, and traceability from legacy code to modern requirements.
  • Strong architecture experience with Java, Spring Boot/Spring Cloud, REST or GraphQL API design, microservices, and event-driven architecture.
  • Experience defining Angular front-end architecture, including component architecture, state management, design-system adoption, and reuse of enterprise component libraries.
  • Deep AWS cloud architecture experience across compute, storage, networking, security, IAM, CI/CD landing zones, performance, resiliency, scalability, observability, and cost optimization.
  • Experience with GenAI or agentic systems, including LLM-based agent design, prompt engineering, tool orchestration, and AI-assisted code transformation.
  • Strong leadership, documentation, stakeholder management, and technical governance skills, with the ability to align multiple teams toward a shared modernization vision.

These will help you stand out

  • Experience embedding GenAI or agentic tooling into enterprise software delivery pipelines.
  • Insurance, financial services, healthcare, or other regulated-industry modernization experience.
  • Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, ECS, EKS, Terraform, CloudFormation, DB2/VSAM data migration, and enterprise observability platforms.
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification.
  • TOGAF or equivalent enterprise architecture certification.

  • Experience working in offshore/onsite distributed delivery models.

Benefits:

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance.
  • Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off.
  • 401(k) plan and contributions.
  • Long-term/Short-term Disability.
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

About Cognizant: 
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our benefits program is built with you in mind—so you can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.

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Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include retirement plans, financial education, etc.

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Physical and mental health

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program and more. 

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Your career, your way

With 350,000+ roles at Cognizant, you’ll have opportunities explore new technologies, industries and locations—and build the skills you need to grow your career.

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Real-world impact

Think about the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to help strengthen their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

Your path to Cognizant

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process. Please keep in mind that it may vary by role and location. Explore our FAQs to learn more.

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Step 1: Apply to the right opportunity

Find an open role that matches your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Don’t see the right opportunity? Consider joining our Talent Community.

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Step 2: Connect with your recruiter

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short intro call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills match the role.

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Step 3: Show off your skills

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

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Step 4: Decision time

Our team will then review each candidates’ potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time because we want to find the right fit for both you and us—but you can count on us to keep you updated.

APJ Dez
Cognizant has given me the opportunity to thrive as a leader and as a person. The culture of recognition, the great benefits and the sense of community motivate me, and I strive to give my best every day.
Decree Olam Team Leader - Intuitive Operations & Automation
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Cognizant has one of the best learning ecosystems you can ask for. From sponsored certifications to training platforms to mentorship, we have all that we need to grow.
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I have the privilege of working with an amazing, diverse team with loads of international experience. It’s inspiring when we all bring our different thinking, skills and experience together to deliver great things.
Kate Wilson Technology Consulting Manager

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