Job Title: Lead IBM i / AS400 Developer (WebSphere EDI)
Location: Newark, NJ (On-site)
Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff — No C2C or 1099)
About the Opportunity
ZipStaff is seeking a Lead IBM i / AS400 Developer to take operational ownership of a proprietary port and logistics platform at a major port operations and marine terminal organization.
The core system runs on IBM i and has grown alongside IBM WebSphere to support real-time container tracking, terminal yard management, dispatch, and automated B2B exchange. You will reverse-engineer the homegrown codebase, map WebSphere integration channels, become the primary SME, and then lead ongoing IBM i development, EDI modernization, performance work, and Tier-3 support.
What You’ll Do:
- Reverse-engineer homegrown RPG / CL programs and DB2 tables to map business rules, data structures, and custom workflows.
- Maintain, configure, and expand IBM WebSphere middleware (MQ, Integration Bus / App Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway) for automated EDI with shipping lines, customs, rail, and trucking.
- Develop and update maps for maritime / logistics EDI sets, including 210, 214, 301, 310, 322, and 850 / 856.
- Own system stability: failed EDI transmissions, spool / batch jobs, and emergency fixes.
- Design REST / SOAP APIs, WebSphere messaging channels, and database connectors from the IBM i core to modern web / SaaS port tools.
- Document undocumented business logic, architecture, DB2 schemas, and WebSphere routing so the platform is not a single point of failure.
- Lead future IBM i development and act as the primary technical owner after onboarding.
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of hands-on IBM i (AS400 / iSeries) development.
- Deep proficiency in RPG IV, RPGLE, free-format RPG, and legacy RPG III / RPG II.
- Hands-on IBM WebSphere integration with IBM i (MQ, Integration Bus / App Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway).
- Strong CL / CLLE, DB2 for i, SQL/400, and embedded SQL.
- Working knowledge of ANSI X12 and EDIFACT, translation mapping, and transport (AS2, FTP / SFTP, WebSphere MQ).
- Proven ability to reverse-engineer complex, undocumented homegrown applications.
- Ability to work on-site in Newark, NJ.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Port operations, container terminals, freight forwarding, warehousing, or TMS.
- IBM i web enablement (Profound UI, Fresche / LANSA) or adjacent web skills (PHP, Python, Node.js).
About ZipStaff
ZipStaff partners with leading organizations to connect skilled technology professionals with high-impact contract opportunities. We focus on quality matches, clear communication, and long-term success for candidates and clients.
To apply, submit your resume highlighting IBM i / AS400, RPG, WebSphere, and EDI mapping experience.