Legacy Systems Architect (COBOL Specialist)

We are seeking an experienced Legacy Systems Architect with deep expertise in COBOL to join our technology team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, maintaining, and modernizing our legacy systems while ensuring seamless integration with modern infrastructures. This role requires a strategic thinker with robust technical knowledge, proven problem-solving skills, and a passion for optimizing aged yet mission-critical applications.

Key Responsibilities:

System Architecture & Design:

Lead the architecture and modernization strategies for legacy COBOL-based systems.

Develop high-level system design and technical roadmaps to ensure system reliability, maintainability, and scalability.

Legacy System Maintenance:

Oversee the maintenance, enhancement, and troubleshooting of existing COBOL applications.

Evaluate current systems to identify risks and opportunities for functional improvements and automation.

Integration & Modernization:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate legacy systems with new technologies and platforms.

Develop migration strategies and assist with the transition from legacy systems to more modern technologies, ensuring data integrity and minimal downtime.

Technical Leadership:

Provide technical guidance to development teams, and mentor junior engineers in best practices for legacy systems management.

Drive the establishment of best practices and standards for COBOL system development and support.

Documentation & Compliance:

Ensure comprehensive documentation of system architecture, maintenance processes, and modernization efforts.

Work closely with compliance teams to ensure that legacy systems meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Requirements:

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of experience in a technical role with a strong focus on legacy systems architecture and modernization.

Proven expertise in COBOL programming, with a solid track record of managing and optimizing mainframe environments.

Technical Skills:

Proficient in COBOL and experienced in maintaining and migrating legacy codebases.

Strong understanding of mainframe architecture, including CICS, JCL, DB2, and related technologies.

Familiarity with modern integration techniques (APIs, microservices, cloud environments) to connect legacy systems with contemporary platforms.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Abilities:

Proven experience in analyzing complex legacy systems to identify bottlenecks and developing innovative solutions for scalability and efficiency.

Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis to resolve system issues effectively.

Leadership & Communication:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor technical teams.

Educational Background:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. An advanced degree is a plus.

Certifications (Preferred):

Certifications in mainframe technologies, legacy systems modernization, or related fields are highly advantageous.