Lead Developer - Mainframe

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Developer - Mainframe to design, develop, and optimize enterprise-scale mainframe applications supporting critical Cards and Payments platforms. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in COBOL, DB2, VSAM, and JCL, with a proven track record of delivering high-performance, resilient financial systems. This role will be responsible for leading the development lifecycle, enhancing transaction processing capabilities, ensuring system stability, and driving continuous improvements within a hybrid work environment.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design, development, and enhancement of mainframe applications using COBOL, DB2, VSAM, and JCL for large-scale financial transaction processing systems.
• Analyze business requirements and translate them into scalable technical solutions that improve transaction accuracy, system performance, and operational efficiency.
• Design and optimize batch and online processing components supporting high-volume Cards and Payments transactions.
• Review and enhance existing application architecture, COBOL programs, DB2 queries, and VSAM file structures to improve maintainability and performance.
• Develop and maintain efficient JCL processes, including job scheduling, recovery mechanisms, error handling, and performance optimization.

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 requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Dallas, TX. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. These may change based on the project you are engaged in, as well as evolving business and client requirements. We will always be transparent about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in Mainframe application development within large-scale financial or transaction processing environments.
• Strong expertise in COBOL, DB2, VSAM, and JCL, including performance tuning, batch processing, and database optimization.
• Proven experience supporting Cards and Payments systems, including transaction processing, authorization, clearing, settlement, and dispute management.
• Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and root-cause analysis skills with the ability to provide sustainable solutions for production issues.

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $ 65447 to $ 117000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

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

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits 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.

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.

Applicants for US based positions must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The company is unable to provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for US based positions.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.

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.