Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSalary

Skills

What They DoEducationDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesBest StatesBest CitiesRemote JobsJob OutlookCompareWork From Home jobs
zippia ai icon

Automatically apply for jobs with Zippi

Upload your resume to get started.

Mainframe programmer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.,
Travis Mandel Ph.D.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical mainframe programmer skills. We ranked the top skills for mainframe programmers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.0% of mainframe programmer resumes contained jcl as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a mainframe programmer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 mainframe programmer skills for your resume and career

1. JCL

Here's how mainframe programmers use jcl:
  • Trained the local programming staff in JCL and in revised COBOL coding to take advantage of the expanded mainframe processing capacity.
  • Verify that the code installs were completed per schedule and that JCL, PROC, SYSIN changes were completed accordingly.

2. DB2

The DB2, known as the Relational Database Management System, is a type of procedure developed by IBM to run and operate software applications such as Windows, Unix, and the Linux System. This type of system is designed mainly for IBM but was innovated to run in various operating systems. The main feature of the DB2 is to handle and manage a big chunk of data while allowing the users to enter the database engine without any problem.

Here's how mainframe programmers use db2:
  • Worked with DB2 Database Administrators to design and implement new DB2 Tables to support various migration projects in the Broker area.
  • Coded and tested COBOL DB2 program to convert folder types in AIS+ EE/ImagePlus, resulting in better tracking of loans.

3. MQ

Here's how mainframe programmers use mq:
  • Participated in development and programming of MQ Communication System.
  • Installed and implemented MQ and performed basic customization.

4. CICS

Here's how mainframe programmers use cics:
  • Analyzed business requirements and technical specification documents to develop CICS VT.
  • Created new programs using COBOL CICS VSAM to generate the adjudication process of claims whenever the user approves the policy.

5. SQL

Here's how mainframe programmers use sql:
  • Coded SQL statements to generate reports and check the optimization of SQL queries using SPUFI.
  • Conducted queries using Quick Job and Oracle SQL in accordance with the client's criteria.

6. VSAM

Here's how mainframe programmers use vsam:
  • Participated in the design and implementation of conversion of DDA system file from ISAM to VSAM KSDS (assembler code).
  • Used File-Aid to create various VSAM clusters, and GDG.

Choose from 10+ customizable mainframe programmer resume templates

Build a professional mainframe programmer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mainframe programmer resume.

7. Cobol II

Here's how mainframe programmers use cobol ii:
  • Optimized and modified COBOL II programs on an IBM mainframe for centralized dealer warranty claims administration.
  • Converted a number of COBOL programs from COBOL to COBOL II.

8. FTP

Here's how mainframe programmers use ftp:
  • FTP various files to mainframe modify/send it to Client as per the request.
  • Designed and developed batch process to FTP reports to the respective destinations using FTP thru REXX programs.

9. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how mainframe programmers use java:
  • Created new Java code to handle information exchange between front-end and existing back-end systems.
  • Worked with Java team in converting mainframe modules in Java language.

10. Test Data

Here's how mainframe programmers use test data:
  • Perform test data support and data copy down, loading of data to target environment and file upgrades.
  • Supported the entire process from start to finish that supplied the test data to all 50 states.

11. Procs

Here's how mainframe programmers use procs:
  • Developed and tested PROCS for corresponding programs.
  • Manage and participate in over 300 JCL and PROCS to suit the current system documentation updates.

12. Unix

UNIX is a computer operating system that was first created in the 1960s and has been constantly updated since then. The operating system refers to the set of programs that enable a machine to function. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking device that works on computers, laptops, and servers. UNIX systems also have a graphical user interface (GUI), similar to Microsoft Windows, that makes it simple to use.

Here's how mainframe programmers use unix:
  • Worked as application support for all existing applications which were built on Mainframe and Unix systems in Supply area.
  • Administrated and installed software in OS/390 UNIX System Services.

13. TSO

Here's how mainframe programmers use tso:
  • Worked extensively with Changeman packages, TSO, ISPF and Ingenium based software.
  • Partnered with various energy research center personnel using FORTRAN, TSO, ISPF, and listening skills.

14. ISPF

Here's how mainframe programmers use ispf:
  • Automated reporting with COBOL, CLIST, and ISPF Dialog.
  • Created ISPF edit macros to reduce development and edit time.

15. Debugging

Here's how mainframe programmers use debugging:
  • Developed expert level knowledge on MVS & Z/OS operating systems DEBUGGING TOOL: Spent 2 years working on IBM Debugger.
  • Developed intermediate level knowledge on MVS & Z/OS operating systems DEBUGGING TOOL: Spent 3.5+ years working on XPEDITOR.
top-skills

What skills help Mainframe Programmers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on mainframe programmer resumes?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

We constantly work with employers that recruit our students, and for the past several years, there has been an almost insatiable need for workers with skills in data analytics & visualization, agile software development, cloud system architecture and administration, and cyber security.

What soft skills should all mainframe programmers possess?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Although computer science seems like a highly technical field, soft skills are really what differentiates software engineers. One of the most important qualities of any software engineer is explaining their code clearly at various levels of technical depth and explaining why certain design decisions were made. You could write code that does amazing things, but if that code consists of snippets you pasted from StackOverflow without really fully understanding them, it will be a huge headache for anyone who needs to come into the codebase later and maintain or update it.

Another one is asking the right questions. Imagine you are dropped into a huge codebase and asked to add a new feature (very common!). There's no time to understand everything that is going on, but on the other hand, you need to understand enough of the code to do your task effectively, which involves asking questions. A failure to ask questions will likely result in you wasting a huge amount of time working on something that is ultimately not useful, for instance, re-implementing a complex function that already exists somewhere in the codebase.

What technical skills for a mainframe programmer stand out to employers?

Maria Larrondo Petrie Ph.D.Maria Larrondo Petrie Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor, Florida Atlantic University

The potential employee needs to be comfortable and flexible to learn different technologies needed to be successful in the virtual work environment. More importantly than the technical schools are the soft skills that give the employee the self-discipline and communications skills to be effective and productive in a virtual work environment. The non-technical major needs to be computer literate and have the mindset to learn new technical skills.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about mainframe programmer

List of mainframe programmer skills to add to your resume

Mainframe programmer skills

The most important skills for a mainframe programmer resume and required skills for a mainframe programmer to have include:

  • JCL
  • DB2
  • MQ
  • CICS
  • SQL
  • VSAM
  • Cobol II
  • FTP
  • Java
  • Test Data
  • Procs
  • Unix
  • TSO
  • ISPF
  • Debugging
  • Z/OS
  • EDI
  • MVS
  • Mainframe Environment
  • SAS
  • REXX
  • SPUFI
  • Test Cases
  • Endevor
  • File-Aid
  • Test Results
  • XML
  • SDLC
  • Ims Db
  • Technical Specifications
  • Program Specifications
  • Code Changes
  • JavaScript
  • Mainframe Applications
  • User Acceptance
  • UAT
  • QA
  • Easytrieve
  • IMS Db/Dc
  • CA7
  • QMF
  • SLA
  • Idms
  • Source Code

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs