Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system.
Maintains and develops online and batch application programs. Develops and implements a disaster recovery plan. Works with project members to develop specifications, diagrams and flowcharts.
Salary.com identifies five increasing levels of proficiency for each skill/competency. Some jobs require only a relatively low level of proficiency in each skill/competency, while other jobs will require a more advanced level of proficiency in the same skill/competency. These levels rate the degree of proficiency (skill level, expertise) we expect the incumbent to perform in the given skill/competency for the given job. Note that we intentionally do not associate timeframes or years of experience in performing the skill/competency because that can be misleading. Proficiency levels identify what the incumbent knows and can do rather than how long they have been doing it. Also, note that the proficiency levels are cumulative, e.g., a level 4 proficiency implies the ability to perform all the behaviors at the lower levels.
Check each Mainframe Programmer skill and competencie below to view definitions.
Skill definition-Applying computer science and engineering principles, methods, and practices to design, develop, deploy, and maintain reliable software systems.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites examples of testing techniques used to ensure the efficiency and reliability of software products.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in performing software testing to identify code errors, bugs, and inconsistencies.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Implements new and updated software engineering processes that adhere to regulatory standards.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Develops software verification plans to ensure intuitive and robust product features.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Conceptualizes new software testing methods to deliver high-quality products that meet organizational objectives.
Skill definition-Utilizing a networking software infrastructure to manage a computer system's memory, processing performance, connected devices, and file systems.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Discusses the key elements, technical capabilities, and limitations of mainframe operating systems.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in distinguishing capabilities of mainframe operating system upgrades to eliminate unnecessary downtime.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Installs and upgrades control systems on multiple mainframe environments that meet user expectations.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Provides support when adjusting online production processes of mainframe operating systems and applications.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Designs infrastructure and integrated mainframe operations solutions to improve system management services.
Skill definition-Applying methods and processes in executing recovery processes in response to a disaster to protect business IT infrastructure.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Explains the importance and benefits of a proactive disaster recovery plan.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Documents issues that arise during disaster recovery testing to ensure execution of appropriate remediation plan.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Implements disaster recovery solutions and backup procedures to maintain full business continuity.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Develops standard operating procedures for network outages and disasters to streamline recovery actions.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Designs metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster recovery strategies and processes.
Skill definition-Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of programming.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Gathers user requirements and defines system functionality for computer programming.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Performs code review across a variety of programming languages.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Improves existing computer programs to maintain efficiency and reliability.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Develops custom code to support assessments using multiple programming languages.
Skill definition-Gathering, organizing, and analyzing information to identify the root cause of organizational problems and develop alternative solutions accordingly.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Explains the integral role data collection plays when conducting analytical thinking.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Asks the right questions to ensure clarity on business goals and requirements.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Develops alternative solutions and compares the pros and cons.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Determines and prioritizes the sequence of steps for a specific situation.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Evaluates potential risks using extensive industry knowledge when considering new opportunities.
Skill definition-The ability and process of implementing new ideas and initiatives to improve organizational performance.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of our products and services.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Explains advantages and disadvantages of different organizational structures from an efficiency perspective.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Communicates financial insights that positively influence the business plan development process.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates and explains the financial aspects of a business initiative to different teams.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions organizational change and digital transformation to drive higher business performance.
There are 6 hard skills for Mainframe Programmer, Software Engineering, Mainframe Operating Systems, Mainframe Application Development, etc.
4 general skills for Mainframe Programmer, Disaster Recovery, Programming, Software Development Life Cycle, etc.
7 soft skills for Mainframe Programmer, Analytical Thinking, Innovation, Attention to Detail, etc.
While the list totals 17 distinct skills, it's important to note that not all are required to be mastered to the same degree. Some skills may only need a basic understanding, whereas others demand a higher level of expertise.
For instance, as a Mainframe Programmer, he or she needs to be proficient in Analytical Thinking, be proficient in Innovation, and be proficient in Attention to Detail.
