_{20th August, 2025}

For more than three decades, Strategic Data Systems (SDS) has been a software consultancy firm specializing in strategy, technology, and business transformation for Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized firms, and startups. At SDS, we empower our development teams to address our clients' critical business challenges by leveraging cutting edge technologies. If you seek a workplace where your contributions are truly appreciated, then SDS is the company for you. Join us today to work alongside fellow development specialists and become a crucial part of our dynamic and cohesive community.
 
Mainframe Developer IV – Lead Role

Location: Onsite – Cincinnati, OH

Industry: National Banking / Financial Services

About the Role A leading National Bank is building a new technology team and seeking a very senior Mainframe Developer IV to take on a leadership role. This position combines deep technical expertise in mainframe development with the responsibility of mentoring a team, driving modernization initiatives, and ensuring reliable delivery of mission-critical systems.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader with a proven track record of guiding teams, establishing best practices, and delivering complex mainframe solutions in highly regulated industries.
Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development
  
  • Lead and mentor a team of mainframe developers, promoting knowledge sharing and technical excellence.
  • Define development standards, enforce coding best practices, and ensure code quality.
  • Collaborate with business and IT leaders to align mainframe development with strategic initiatives.
• Mainframe Development
  
  • Design, develop, test, and maintain COBOL, JCL, CICS, and DB2 applications.
  • Enhance and modernize legacy systems to meet evolving business needs.
  • Ensure performance, reliability, and compliance of core banking applications.
• Technical Strategy & Delivery
  
  • Guide the adoption of automation, DevOps pipelines, and integration with distributed systems.
  • Support large-scale migrations, performance optimization, and modernization projects.
  • Manage and coordinate complex releases across multiple teams.

Required Qualifications

• 7 plus years of experience in mainframe application development.
• Strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, and VSAM.
• Experience in system integration, modernization, and performance tuning.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies, CI/CD practices, and DevOps concepts.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence across teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in financial services or other highly regulated industries.
• Knowledge of cloud integration with mainframe systems.
• Familiarity with enterprise scheduling tools (Control-M, CA-7, etc.).

Why Join

• Leadership from day one – shape standards, mentor talent, and drive modernization.
• High visibility role within a top National Bank.
• Opportunity to work on mission-critical systems that power financial services.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and career growth opportunities.

 
What You'll Get
 
SDS, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
 

• Competitive base salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Optional life and disability insurance provided
• 401(k) with a company match and optional profit sharing
• Paid vacation time
• Paid Bench time
• Training allowance offering
• You'll be eligible to earn referral bonuses!

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