z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect
Cognizant · Englewood, CO
- On site
- Full-time
- $183,500 / year
- Englewood, CO
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Subject: Interested in the z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect role at Cognizant
Hi Taylor — I came across the z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Cognizant stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Design and develop IBM z/TPF systems.
- Architect TPF communications and middleware.
- Troubleshoot complex production issues.
- Collaborate with global engineering teams.
- Modernize legacy transaction-processing environments.
About the role
About The Role
As a TPF Resource, you will make an impact by designing, developing, and supporting mission-critical, high-availability systems on IBM z/TPF platforms. You will be a valued member of a specialized engineering team and will work closely with architects, SMEs, and distributed teams to maintain and modernize legacy transaction-processing environments.
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.
In This Role, You Will
- Design, develop, and debug applications using IBM z/TPF, Assembler (BAL), and z/TPFDF macros
- Provide architectural and technical expertise for TPF communications and middleware integrations
- Work with messaging and communication protocols including EDIFACT, TTY, XML, JSON, and TCP/IP‑based integrations
- Troubleshoot complex production issues by recreating scenarios, performing root‑cause analysis, and delivering sustainable fixes
- Collaborate closely with triage teams, onshore architects, and offshore engineers
- Apply test‑driven development, execute unit test plans, and contribute across the SDLC
- Prepare, analyze, and review system and technical documentation
- Promote adherence to engineering standards and contribute to continuous process improvements
Work model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of 2–3 days per week onsite at a Cognizant or client office in Colorado. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our wellbeing programs. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on project, business, or client needs. We will always be clear about role expectations.
What You Need To Have To Be Considered
- 10+ years of Strong hands‑on experience with IBM z/TPF / TPF (ALCS) environments
- Proficiency with IBM BAL (Assembler), z/TPFDF, and general service macros
- Experience using TPF Toolkit, TPF GI, and TPF test tools
- Solid understanding of z/TPF concepts, structures, and SPM
- Experience with legacy messaging and communication protocols (EDIFACT, TTY, MATIP, MQ, Host‑to‑Host)
- Knowledge of middleware communication, networking fundamentals, and TCP/IP protocols
- Comfort working in z/VM CMS environments
- Strong English communication skills and ability to serve as a technical point of contact
These will help you stand out
- Experience with C/C++ on z/TPF or Linux platforms
- Working knowledge of Linux file systems and tools
- Exposure to hybrid cloud environments
- Familiarity with loosely coupled TPF images, VPARS, and IPL concepts
- Interest in modernizing legacy platforms while maintaining stability and performance
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.
Please note: This role will require an in-person meet and greet at our Cognizant offices or client location.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT or equivalent
Application Deadline
- Applications will be accepted until April 14th, 2026.
Salary And Other Compensation
The annual salary for this position is between $116,100 to $183,500 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s 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.
Key skills/competency
- IBM z/TPF
- Assembler (BAL)
- z/TPFDF
- TPF Toolkit
- TPF GI
- z/VM CMS
- EDIFACT
- TTY
- TCP/IP
- System Documentation
Skills & topics
- z/TPF
- TPF
- Senior Programmer
- Architect
- IBM
- Assembler
- BAL
- z/TPFDF
- Middleware
- Legacy Systems
- Colorado
- Hybrid
- Cognizant
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight IBM z/TPF, Assembler (BAL), and z/TPFDF experience.
- Showcase expertise: Emphasize TPF communication protocols and middleware integration skills.
- Demonstrate problem-solving: Detail your experience in troubleshooting complex production issues.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your contributions across the SDLC and system documentation.
- Understand the culture: Research Cognizant's hybrid work model and commitment to employee wellbeing.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of a z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect at Cognizant?
- As a z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect at Cognizant, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and supporting mission-critical systems on IBM z/TPF platforms. This includes debugging applications, providing architectural expertise for TPF communications and middleware, troubleshooting production issues, and collaborating with global teams to modernize legacy systems.
- What technical skills are essential for this z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect role at Cognizant?
- Essential technical skills include 10+ years of hands-on experience with IBM z/TPF/TPF (ALCS) environments, proficiency in IBM BAL (Assembler), z/TPFDF, and general service macros. Experience with TPF Toolkit, TPF GI, TPF test tools, z/TPF concepts, and legacy messaging protocols like EDIFACT and TTY is also crucial. Familiarity with TCP/IP protocols and z/VM CMS environments is required.
- Does Cognizant sponsor work visas for the z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect position?
- No, Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.
- What is the work arrangement for the z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect role at Cognizant?
- This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of 2-3 days per week onsite at a Cognizant or client office in Colorado. Cognizant believes in a hybrid work model to provide flexibility while meeting business requirements.
- What is the application deadline for the z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect job at Cognizant?
- Applications for the z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect position at Cognizant will be accepted until April 14th, 2026.
- What is the typical salary range for a z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect at Cognizant?
- The annual salary for this position at Cognizant ranges between $116,100 to $183,500, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
- Are there opportunities for career growth or modernization in this z/TPF Senior Programmer/Architect role?
- Yes, this role offers the opportunity to work on modernizing legacy transaction-processing environments and gain exposure to hybrid cloud environments. Interest in modernizing legacy platforms while maintaining stability and performance is a plus.