Mainframe Modernization Lead Architect

Description - External About the role As a Mainframe Modernization Lead Architect , you will make an impact by leading the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of Java and Angular application development projects. You will be a valued member of the technology delivery team and collaborate closely with stakeholders, technical leads, developers, and crossu2011functional teams to ensure seamless execution across the project lifecycle. Roles and responsibilities: u2022 Associate will be part of the Legacy Modernization team. u2022 Associate is also responsible for the deliverables for those consulting projects which will include the technical assessment of the application, Tools development, Application data analysis. u2022 There would be requirement for customization in the framework for different system applications based on the technology they are using, and associate shall be able to understand the requirement and will modify the framework accordingly. u2022 Associate will also be involved during the actual implementation phase of the project to provide better guidance and best practices to improve the overall quality of Cognizantu2019s deliverable to the client in projects. u2022 Expertise in operating within client environments as a trusted technical advisor and primary point of contact. u2022 Strategic experience in designing and presenting end-to-end solutions to Enterprise Architects and senior stakeholders. u2022 Demonstrated success in spearheading onshore deliverables while providing technical oversight to offshore migration teams. u2022 Expert at facilitating alignment between client stakeholders and diverse third-party vendor partners. u2022 Proficient in end-to-end migration planning, including proactive risk forecasting and the execution of mitigation strategies. Work Model: At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this roleu2019s business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 5 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Chigaco, IL. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on project needs, client requirements, or business priorities. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations. Important Disclaimers: Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs. Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future What you need to have to be considered: Key Primary Skills (Must have): - 10- 15 years of experience. - Modernization Skills. - Strong hands-on experience in Mainframe Modernization including Reengineering, Rehosting, Replatforming etc. - Direct experience working on at least one migration project utilizing TSRI tool (Cobol to Java). - Strong experience in conducting assessments including Application and Software/Tools baseline, evaluating modernization solution options. - Experience in Migration estimations, arriving at Implementation Roadmap. - Experience in technically leading the Modernization / Migration projects. - Architecture Skills, Automation Skills, Solution Skills, Team Leadership Skills. - Key Secondary Skills: Modernization Skills. - Working experience in any one of the Reengineering tools like BluAge, Astadia etc. - Working experience in any one of the Gen AI tools (GitHub Copilot, Gemini, Swimm IO etc.) - Exposure to Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Google etc.) Key Technical Skills (Must have) : COBOL, CICS, JCL, VSAM, DB2 Secondary Skills: Focus, PL/I, Assembler, REXX, Python, Cloud technologies. Primary skills: - Architecture Skills - To have working knowledge on Conducting Assessment & Develop the Deliverables. - To be strong in analysis of as-is Legacy system irrespective of type of legacy technologies modules involved. - Should be able to use various internal/external tools to baseline the legacy inventory. - Should be able to visualize and suggest to-be solutions for each legacy technology. - Should be able to depict different types of architecture u2013 current State, target State, integration architecture. - Should be able to arrive at estimation for as-is legacy Solutions like Rewrite, Rehost, Retire, replace etc., & also arrive at Roadmap. - Provide Thought Leadership & Solutions from Legacy Architecture perspective as a part of consulting projects. - To be able to do any R&D kind of work on the legacy side to provide POV & Recommendations. - Exposure to Various Cloud platforms and able to suggest pros/cons of any solution suggested by Other Enterprise Architects. - Candidate to have knowledge/experience in evaluating the products/ecosystem tools as part of the legacy modernization, identify the appropriate target replacement products by doing features/capabilities comparison, work with the concerned vendors for getting the quote, estimation. - Candidate to have exposure in onboarding a new vendor for any third-party usage u2013 like NDA, MSA with the vendor. + Technical Delivery Skills: - Should be able to lead and manage the development/modernization team and guide them on Architectural Solutions & if Required be Hands On.- To able to Develop any Prototype/Do any Proof of concept for complex solutions or scenarios as a part of the legacy Modernization Projects.- Should be able to review or prepare any sort of legacy modernization artifacts like technical design documents/architecture documents, etc., created by the team members. - Innovation/Automation Skills.- Must be able to do proper requirements gathering for any Tool Initiatives.- Must be able design or develop any required tools to expedite the legacy modernization consulting/execution projects.- Must be able to evaluate & suggest any kind of third-party tools related to legacy modernization work. Soft Skills: - Good communication, analytical and presentation skills, problem solving skills and learning attitude. - Should have Good Client Handling Skills. Salary and Other Compensation: The annual salary for this position is between $83,000 u2013 $130,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizantu2019s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizantu2019s applicable plans. Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: + Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance + Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off + 401(k) plan and contributions + Long-term/Short-term Disability + Paid Parental Leave + Employee Stock Purchase Plan Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project youu2019re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations. Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Created: 2026-03-04