Mainframe Deep SME / SW Architect

Company Description SoftNice UG is a global IT services and solutions company with over a decade of experience delivering technology and staffing solutions across multiple industries. The organization supports clients in IT, events, healthcare, finance, security, engineering, and industrial sectors through temporary, permanent, and contract placements. As a 360° staffing company, SoftNice UG partners with leading organizations, including the British Institute of Recruiters, to connect them with highly skilled professionals and apprentices. The company values diverse industry experience and focuses on creating mutually beneficial relationships for customers and applicants. SoftNice UG operates across the United Kingdom, the EU, the APAC region, and the USA, offering international opportunities and exposure.
Role Description The Mainframe Deep SME / Software Architect will provide expert-level guidance on mainframe systems, driving architectural decisions and modernizing legacy applications. This is a remote contract role focused on designing scalable, reliable, and secure software solutions, as well as reviewing and improving existing architectures. Day-to-day responsibilities include collaborating with development teams, defining technical standards, creating high-level and detailed design documents, and overseeing implementation to ensure alignment with architecture principles. The role also involves hands-on programming when needed, troubleshooting complex technical issues, mentoring technical team members, and contributing to best practices for performance, resilience, and maintainability in mainframe environments.
Qualifications
Candidates should possess strong skills in Software Architecture and Software Design for complex, enterprise-level systems.
Candidates should possess hands-on Software Development and Programming skills, ideally with deep mainframe experience (e.g., COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS).
Candidates should possess expertise in Design Patterns and architectural best practices for scalable, maintainable, and secure solutions.
Proven experience as a senior architect, technical lead, or subject matter expert in mainframe modernization or integration projects.
Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions and communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Experience working in distributed, remote teams and on contract engagements with global clients.
Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and integration between mainframe and modern platforms (e.g., APIs, microservices) is advantageous.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Work arrangement
Yes