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.
  
  

Why Apply?

We’re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don’t hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

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

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• 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.