Mainframe Lead Software Engineer

Location: Wilmington, DE, United States

Job Family: Software Engineering

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of redefining the future of financial services through innovative technology solutions. As a Mainframe Lead Software Engineer in our Wilmington, DE office, you will play a pivotal role in our Technology team, leading the development and maintenance of robust mainframe systems that power critical banking operations. This position involves carrying out essential tech solutions across multiple technical areas, including transaction processing, risk management, and compliance systems, as an integral part of an agile team. You will leverage your deep expertise in legacy and modern mainframe technologies to ensure seamless, secure, and efficient operations that support our global client base in the financial services industry. In this leadership role, you will guide a team of engineers in designing, coding, and deploying mainframe applications using tools like COBOL, JCL, and CICS on the IBM z/OS platform. Your responsibilities will extend to optimizing system performance for high-volume financial data processing, integrating with emerging cloud-native services, and adhering to stringent regulatory standards such as those from the SEC and Federal Reserve. Collaborating closely with product managers, data scientists, and business stakeholders, you will drive agile practices to deliver value quickly while mitigating risks in our dynamic financial landscape. This is an opportunity to influence JP Morgan Chase's technological evolution, bridging traditional mainframe strengths with cutting-edge innovations. We value engineers who thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about solving complex problems that impact millions of customers. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a world-class organization committed to diversity, inclusion, and professional growth. If you have a proven track record in mainframe engineering within financial services, we encourage you to apply and contribute to our mission of enabling the world's most important financial institutions to operate with unparalleled efficiency and security.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of critical mainframe-based tech solutions for JP Morgan Chase's financial platforms
• Collaborate with agile teams to deliver high-quality software across multiple technical areas, ensuring alignment with business objectives
• Mentor and guide junior software engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation
• Analyze and optimize mainframe systems for performance, scalability, and reliability in handling high-volume financial transactions
• Integrate mainframe applications with modern technologies, supporting JP Morgan's digital transformation initiatives
• Conduct code reviews, troubleshoot complex issues, and ensure compliance with industry regulations like SOX and GDPR
• Drive agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and retrospectives, to enhance team productivity
• Develop and maintain documentation for mainframe architectures and processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to identify and resolve technical challenges in financial services operations
• Stay abreast of emerging mainframe technologies and contribute to strategic planning for JP Morgan's tech roadmap

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• At least 8-10 years of experience in mainframe software development and engineering
• Proven expertise in IBM z/OS, COBOL, JCL, and CICS
• Strong understanding of agile methodologies and experience working in agile teams
• Experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior engineers
• Knowledge of financial services regulations and data security standards
• Ability to obtain necessary security clearances for handling sensitive financial data

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
• Experience with mainframe modernization and migration to cloud environments
• Familiarity with DevOps practices in mainframe environments, including CI/CD pipelines
• Prior work in banking or financial services technology projects
• Certifications such as IBM Certified Mainframe Developer or equivalent

Required Skills

• Expertise in COBOL, Assembler, and VSAM for mainframe programming
• Proficiency in IBM z/OS operating system and utilities
• Strong knowledge of database management systems like DB2 and IMS
• Experience with middleware technologies such as CICS and MQ Series
• Agile and Scrum methodologies
• Leadership and team management skills
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Communication and collaboration abilities
• Knowledge of financial data security and encryption protocols
• Scripting and automation skills (e.g., REXX, JCL)
• Version control systems like Git or Endevor
• Performance tuning and debugging of mainframe applications
• Understanding of API integration and microservices in hybrid environments
• Project management fundamentals
• Adaptability to fast-paced, high-stakes financial environments

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and access to internal training programs
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness resources
• On-site fitness centers, wellness programs, and mental health support
• Flexible work arrangements and relocation assistance for eligible roles

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.