Lead Software Engineer - Mainframe
Job Description
Being good neighbors – helping people, investing in our communities, and making the world a better place – is who we are at State Farm. It is at the core of how we operate and the reason for our success. Come join a #1 team and do some good!
Are you passionate about solving complex problems and delivering high-quality solutions in a collaborative, fast-paced environment? Join our dynamic team where you will focus on mainframe development, driving the enhancement and maintenance of critical applications that power our business. You'll work closely with diverse stakeholders, embrace Agile best practices, and play a key role in continuous improvement initiatives to help us innovate and excel. If you thrive on challenge and teamwork, this is the opportunity for you!
Hybrid Work Locations: Bloomington, IL-Corporate, Dunwoody, GA-ParkCenter , Richardson, TX-CityLine or Tempe, AZ-Marina Heights Hub locations.
Hybrid Work arrangement: A "Hybrid" position means selected candidates will be assigned to a facility and will spend some time working both in office and from their home. Work arrangements could change over time based on business need. Hybrid work arrangement for Enterprise Technology is defined as residing within a 180-mile radius of the Hubs and Corporate.
Grow Your Skills, Grow Your Potential
Responsibilities
The selected Mainframe Software Engineer will:
Develop, maintain, and enhance mainframe applications primarily coded in COBOL, with PL/1 experience as an added advantage.
Work with IMS and DB2 databases, including writing and optimizing JCL scripts.
Apply Agile and product management best practices to assigned work.
Collaborate effectively with team members, business partners, and stakeholders to resolve complex problems and deliver high-quality solutions.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives around CI/CD pipelines using GitLab.
Qualifications
Essential Skills and Experience:
Strong mainframe development skills, especially in COBOL. PL/1 is a bonus.
Strong knowledge and experience with the use of AI tools and techniques (development and testing).
Proficient with batch job scheduling tools and processes (Control-M, Auto/Fire flow).
Deep knowledge of IMS and DB2 databases.
Expertise in Job Control Language (JCL).
Proven ability to apply Agile methodologies and product management principles.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to complete complex coding tasks.
Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
Preferred Skills:
Experience with Git and IBM Developer for z Systems (IDz).
Experience using SPLUNK for monitoring and diagnostics.
Working knowledge of FM, FMDB2 and FMIMS.
Proficiency with ISPF/TSO for interacting with z/OS environments.
Experience with VersionOne or Agility tools for Agile project management.
Working knowledge and experience with the use of AI tools and techniques (development and testing).
Experience with Change/Incident Management process is an added advantage.
SPONSORSHIP: Applicants for this position are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g. H-1B visa) for this opportunity.
Our Benefits
Because work-life balance is a priority at State Farm, compensation is based on our standard 38:45-hour work week!
Potential starting salary range: $115,000 - $145,000
Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience
High end of the range limited to applicants with significant relevant experience
Potential yearly incentive pay up to 15% of base salary
At State Farm, we offer more than just a paycheck. Check out our suite of benefits designed to give you the flexibility you need to take care of you and your family!
Get Paid! On top of our competitive pay, you are eligible for an annual raise and bonus.
Stay Well! Focus on you and your family’s health with our robust health and wellbeing programs. State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium, and we offer multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care, AND you and your family have access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and much more!
Develop and Grow! Take advantage of educational benefits like industry leading training programs, top-notch tuition assistance programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring.
Plan Ahead! Plan for those big moments in life with benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, and more. You can also start a savings account or consider financing through our State Farm Federal Credit Union!
Take a Little “You” Time! You will have access to our generous time off policies designed so you can plan around holidays, family events, volunteering, or just to take a relaxing day off. With the opportunity to initially earn up to 20 days annually plus parental leave, paid holidays, celebration day, life leave (40 hours/year), bereavement leave, and community service/education support days, there will be plenty of time for you!
Give Back! We offer several ways to give back through our Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, and the Employee Assistance Fund.
Finish Strong! Plan for retirement using free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary.


