Mainframe Technical Lead

Cognizant is seeking an experienced Mainframe Technical Lead to join our team supporting a leading banking client. This full time position is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and follows a hybrid work model. The successful candidate will bring 8–12 years of Mainframe development experience and provide technical leadership across application development, production support, and delivery activities.

Key Responsibilities

Analyze business requirements and prepare technical design specifications.

Design, develop, test, and maintain Mainframe applications using COBOL, DB2, JCL, and VSAM.

Develop and modify batch and online processing programs to meet business requirements.

Create, maintain, and troubleshoot JCLs, PROCs, and batch schedules.

Write complex DB2 SQL queries and optimize database performance.

Perform impact analysis, code reviews, unit testing, system testing, and production implementation.

Support production incidents, perform root cause analysis, and implement permanent fixes.

Use TSO/ISPF, SDSF, File-AID, SPUFI, and other Mainframe tools for development and debugging.

Collaborate with business analysts, testing teams, and stakeholders throughout the SDLC.

Prepare technical documentation, implementation plans, and operational procedures.

Participate in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, stand-ups, retrospectives, and release activities.

Mentor junior developers and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.

8–10 years of hands-on Mainframe development experience.

Strong programming expertise in COBOL.

Extensive experience with DB2 database design, SQL development, and performance tuning.

Strong knowledge of JCL, VSAM,



and Mainframe batch processing.

Hands-on experience with TSO/ISPF and Mainframe utilities.

Working knowledge of SAS for reporting, data analysis, and processing.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Endevor, File-AID, Abend-AID, Expeditor, Control-M, and ChangeMan.

Exposure to Mainframe modernization initiatives.

Experience in banking, financial services, insurance, or retail environments.

Knowledge of Agile/Scrum methodologies.

Experience with application support, incident management, and release management.

Salary and Other Compensation
The annual salary for this position is between CAD 95K and CAD 112K, depending on the successful candidate’s experience and other qualifications.

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

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

401(k) plan and contributions

Long-term and 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.

Important Disclaimers
Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.

Application Deadline
Applications for this position will be accepted until November 7, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as the posting may close sooner if a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is identified.

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📌 Mainframe Technical Lead (Ontario)
🏢 Cognizant
📍 Ontario