Senior Software Developer – Back End

Position Overview

The Labour and Transportation Cluster is seeking a highly experienced Senior Software Developer – Back End with extensive expertise in IBM mainframe technologies, PL/I programming, IMS databases, DB2 for z/OS, and client/server integration.

The successful candidate will analyze existing systems, design and develop technical solutions, modify legacy applications, troubleshoot defects, and support integration testing. The role requires strong experience with mainframe transaction processing, XML-based interfaces, batch processing, source control, and Windows workstation applications.

Experience with Ontario Public Service (OPS) environments and knowledge of vehicle registration, driver licensing, and transportation safety systems will be valuable.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze existing system architecture, logical and physical designs, and code structures during the project concept phase.
  
• Assess technical database requirements and coordinate necessary changes with Database Administrators (DBAs) and Data Management teams.
  
• Develop detailed technical specifications in accordance with Ontario Public Service standards.
  
• Identify technical risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation strategies.
  
• Provide regular progress reports to the Project Manager and/or Lead Technical Coordinator.
  
• Design logical and physical solutions to support application enhancements and system changes.
  
• Conduct Joint Application Development (JAD) sessions and technical walkthroughs to validate designs and obtain sign-off.
  
• Develop new code and modify existing online, batch, and workstation applications.
  
• Integrate mainframe applications with mid-tier components and non-mainframe web services.
  
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality assurance standards across technical documentation, deliverables, and source code.
  
• Prepare test data, perform unit testing, and resolve defects.
  
• Participate in integration testing, including test planning, environment setup, test execution, results documentation, and defect resolution.
  
• Coordinate code retrofits with other developers working on shared legacy codebases.
  
• Diagnose application failures and implement corrective actions.
  
• Use Ministry-mandated source code management and development tools.
  
• Transfer technical knowledge to RUS and I&IT Cluster staff throughout the assignment.
  
  
  

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Technical Skills

1. Programming Languages and Development

• Recent experience using PL/I V4.5 or higher within the last five years.
  
• Experience with Fujitsu NetCOBOL V4 or higher.
  
• At least 10 years of experience in programming and systems analysis.
  
• At least five years of experience developing PL/I transactions that process XML input, generate XML output, and integrate with non-mainframe web services.
  
• At least 10 years of experience designing and developing Windows client applications that interact with IMS TM applications.
  

2. IBM Mainframe Environment and Tools

• Experience with z/OS V2.2 or higher.
  
• Expertise with IBM Debug Tool V13.1 or higher.
  
• Experience with File-AID V10.1 or higher, or IBM File Manager V13.1 or higher.
  
• Experience with Abend-AID V12.4 or higher, or IBM Fault Analyzer V13.1 or higher.
  
• Experience with IBM DFSORT utility.
  

3. Mainframe Databases, APIs, and Batch Processing

• Experience with IMS DB V12 or higher, including HALDB and DEDB, using the PLITDLI API.
  
• Experience with DB2 for z/OS V11 or higher.
  
• Experience with Endevor source control.
  
• Experience developing checkpoint/restartable IMS Batch Message Processing (BMP) programs.
  

4. Screen Handling Technologies

• Experience with mainframe Message Format Service (MFS).
  
• Experience with SCREENIO for Windows workstation screen handling.
  

5. Windows Workstation Development Tools

• Experience with Visual Studio 2008 or higher.
  
• Experience using the Visual Studio Debugger.
  
• Experience with Harvest Source Control V12.5 or higher.
  

6. Connectivity and File Transfers

• Experience writing scripts for Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), preferably in a mainframe environment.
  
• Experience with mainframe-to-mid-tier integration, including IMSCONNECT.
  

7. Public Sector and Business Domain Experience

• Knowledge of Ontario vehicle registration, driver licensing, and transportation safety policies and processes.
  
• Experience working within Ontario Public Service policies, procedures, standards, and delivery practices.
  

Mandatory Skills

Candidates must demonstrate the following essential qualifications:

1. Experience with z/OS V2.2 or higher.
   
2. Expertise in File-AID V10.1 or higher, or IBM File Manager V13.1 or higher.
   
3. Experience with IMS DB V12 or higher, including HALDB and DEDB, using the PLITDLI API.
   
4. Experience with DB2 for z/OS V11 or higher.
   
5. At least five years of experience developing PL/I transactions that process XML input, generate XML output, and support integration with non-mainframe web services.
   
6. Recent experience using PL/I V4.5 or higher within the last five years.
   

Work Arrangement and Submission Requirements

• The role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with three business days per week in the office.
  
• Candidates should be available to work from the Toronto office at 87 Sir William Hearst Avenue.
  
• Only one candidate submission is permitted for this requisition.