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)
Explains the step-by-step procedures for developing new and enhanced software products.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Uses specific programming languages and platforms to write code and create software programs.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Works collaboratively with development teams to correct complex errors in software codes.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Trains teams on developing highly responsive user interfaces (UI) to enhance customer experience.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Keeps abreast of the latest industry coding best practices to maximize application readability and performance.
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)
Explains the role of operating systems on a mainframe computer.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Reports system-related bottlenecks to ensure the continuous availability of mainframe resources.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Works with developers to configure a database management system on our organization's mainframe.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Researches technologies, tools, and testing methodologies to accurately debug new mainframe systems and frameworks.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Integrates the latest developments in operating systems to innovate new mainframe testing frameworks.
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)
Identifies the methods, techniques, and processes used in developing a disaster recovery plan.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Responds to emergency network outages in alignment with disaster recovery plans.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Partners with teams to implement controls and mitigation strategies to reduce disaster recovery risks.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Manages all related activities in disaster recovery planning and implementation to ensure appropriateness and accuracy.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Introduces advanced disaster recovery testing methodologies to efficiently evaluate proposed plans.
Skill definition-Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Explains how to interpret source code from a specific programming language.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Identifies coding errors and parts of computer programs that are not functioning correctly.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Provides insights into the development of complex, cross-functional applications.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Monitors the testing of program codes periodically to ensure it produces the desirable results.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Establishes a standard programming framework to help the team design an executable computer program.
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)
Identifies tools that assist analytical thinking.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Gathers necessary information from various channels to support decision-making.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Handles complex issues and provides solutions to improve efficiency and scalability.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates the cost, return, risks, and achievements before recommending a solution.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Forecasts customers' expectations and formulates strategies to ensure customer satisfaction.
Skill definition-The ability and process of implementing new ideas and initiatives to improve organizational performance.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Explains our key business strategies and priorities.
Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Reports and communicates market and competitor status regularly to the management team.
Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Evaluates supply chain efficiency with an eye toward improving shortcomings.
Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Leverages the latest technologies and tools that enhance business analytics.
Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Designs and implements feedback loops to identify and promptly address business problems.
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.
