About the Role

Robert Half is excited to partner with an established insurance and financial services organization to find a talented Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer for a contract-to-hire position in Bellevue, Washington. This critical role focuses on bridging legacy mainframe systems with modern integration needs, building APIs and integration layers to expose valuable data from IBM mainframe environments. Unlike cloud-first modernization projects, this position emphasizes maintaining the mainframe as the system of record while leveraging AWS selectively for downstream capabilities and integrations.

The ideal candidate thrives in a hybrid environment where COBOL expertise meets contemporary API development. You'll handle ongoing KTLO (Keep the Lights On) maintenance, production stability, and exciting new capability development on top of proven legacy insurance and retirement systems. This is a fully remote opportunity with core availability from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST, offering excellent work-life balance. Initial 4-month contract with a 3-6 month evaluation period leading to potential permanent hire.

Key Responsibilities

Mainframe Development and Maintenance

• Develop, enhance, and maintain IBM mainframe applications that power core legacy insurance and retirement systems.
• Maintain and enhance COBOL-based systems, handling both batch processing for high-volume operations and online transactions for real-time interactions.
• Support KTLO work to ensure production stability, minimizing downtime and optimizing system performance in a mission-critical environment.

Integration and API Development

• Build robust APIs and integration layers to seamlessly expose mainframe data and functionality to downstream platforms and modern applications.
• Design and implement AWS-based solutions tailored for integrations, enabling selective cloud capabilities without disrupting the mainframe core.
• Participate in technical design discussions, advocating for solutions that balance reliability, scalability, and long-term stability.

New Capability Development

• Contribute to innovative enhancements layered on existing legacy systems, driving value without rebuilding from scratch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver new features that support the organization's evolving insurance and financial services needs.

Required Qualifications

To succeed in this Mainframe Systems Programmer role, you need deep technical expertise combined with a pragmatic approach to legacy systems. Key qualifications include:

• 5+ years of hands-on IBM mainframe development experience, particularly with COBOL in insurance or financial domains.
• Proven track record building APIs and integration layers from mainframe environments to modern systems.
• Strong AWS knowledge for targeted integration use cases (no full cloud migration required).
• Expertise in batch processing, online transactions, and KTLO maintenance for production systems.
• Ability to engage in technical discussions, ensuring designs promote system reliability and scalability.
• Availability for core PST hours and enthusiasm for contract-to-hire progression.
• Familiarity with insurance/retirement systems is a plus, but mainframe proficiency is paramount.

This role demands a candidate who excels at modernizing without disrupting, turning legacy strengths into future-ready assets.

Why Join Us

Join Robert Half and this prestigious insurance organization for a role that offers stability, growth, and impact. Work remotely from Bellevue, WA, on systems that underpin vital financial services, gaining exposure to both mainframe mastery and AWS integrations. Enjoy contract-to-hire security, flexible hours, and competitive pay in Seattle's thriving tech hub.

Robert Half provides unmatched support in your career journey, connecting you to top employers. This position is perfect for seasoned mainframe professionals seeking meaningful work without the chaos of full-scale migrations. Apply now to secure your place in this essential hybrid tech role!

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