Role Overview

• Lead and execute large-scale mainframe modernization and rehosting initiatives.

- Drive end-to-end transformation activities from assessment through migration and post-migration optimization.
- Provide hands-on technical expertise across mainframe technologies, rehosting platforms, and Azure cloud modernization.

Key Responsibilities

Mainframe Rehosting & Modernization

• Lead mainframe rehosting initiatives using:

- Raincode
- Micro Focus
- Define and execute:
- Rehosting (Lift & Shift) strategies
- Replatforming approaches
- Selective refactoring strategies
- Drive mainframe transformation programs.
- Develop modernization roadmaps, timelines, and execution plans.

Hands-On Application Transformation

• Perform technical transformation activities on legacy systems built with:

- COBOL
- PL/I
- Assembler
- CICS
- Analyze and modernize applications based on:
- JCL
- IMS
- DB2
- VSAM
- Execute:
- Code remediation
- Conversion validation
- Runtime behavior fixes
- Support Eztrieve-based applications as needed.

Database Migration & Data Transformation

• Lead DB2 to SQL Server migration activities.

- Define:
- Data mapping strategies
- Data transformation approaches
- Reconciliation processes
- Validation processes
- Ensure:
- Data integrity
- Performance optimization
- Minimal downtime during cutover

Azure Cloud Enablement

• Design and implement Azure-based solutions including:

- Compute (VMs and rehosted workloads)
- Networking (VNETs and hybrid connectivity)
- Storage
- Security controls (RBAC, Key Vault)
- Enable integration between:
- Rehosted applications
- Modern cloud services
- APIs

Performance Optimization

• Ensure post-migration:

- Performance parity or improvement compared to mainframe systems
- High availability
- Disaster recovery readiness
- Optimize:
- Batch processing
- Scheduling
- Online transaction processing systems

Migration Delivery & Execution

• Collaborate with:

- Application teams
- Cloud engineers
- DevOps teams
- QA teams




- Business stakeholders
- Lead:
- Migration planning
- Execution activities
- Testing and validation
- Cutover and go-live activities

Governance, Risk & Best Practices

• Define and enforce:

- Migration standards
- Migration frameworks
- Architecture best practices
- Identify:
- Risks
- Dependencies
- Implement mitigation strategies throughout the migration lifecycle.

Testing & Post-Migration Support

• Drive:

- Functional testing
- Integration testing
- Performance testing
- Support:
- Cutover execution
- Hypercare activities
- Stabilization
- Conduct post-migration optimization and tuning.

Mentorship & Technical Leadership

• Provide hands-on leadership and guidance to engineering teams.

- Mentor developers on:
- Mainframe modernization techniques
- Rehosting tools
- Cloud adoption strategies

Required Skills & Qualifications

Mainframe Technologies

• Strong hands-on experience with:

- COBOL
- PL/I
- Assembler
- CICS
- Strong knowledge of:
- JCL
- IMS
- DB2
- VSAM
- Experience with batch and online processing systems.

Rehosting & Modernization

• Hands-on experience with:

- Raincode
- Micro Focus
- Proven experience with mainframe modernization programs.
- Expertise in:
- Code analysis
- Code remediation
- Application dependency mapping

Database Migration

• Solid experience with DB2 to SQL Server migration.

- Deep understanding of:
- Data transformation
- Data validation
- Migration best practices

Azure Cloud

• Strong experience designing solutions on Microsoft Azure.

- Knowledge of:
- Hybrid cloud architectures
- Infrastructure design
- Cloud security

Core Engineering

• Strong hands-on development and troubleshooting experience.

- Ability to:
- Debug complex legacy systems
- Resolve migration issues
- Optimize application performance

Nice to Have

• Eztrieve experience.

- DevOps tools:
- Azure DevOps
- Jenkins
- Git
- Exposure to:
- Containerization
- Microservices architectures
- Experience in:
- BFSI
- Insurance
- Enterprise systems
- 10+ years of mainframe modernization and rehosting experience.

📌 Sr. Mainframe Rehosting Specialist – Mainframe Modernization, Raincode & Azure (Toronto)
🏢 Astra North Infoteck
📍 Toronto