Mainframe Software Developer

Job summary

Design, develop, test, implement, and maintain mainframe software and mission-critical applications within established SDLC processes. Troubleshoot complex issues, monitor application performance, document changes, support on-call operations, and coach developers through best practices and code reviews.

Job details

Posting Start Date: 10/2/26 Join CPKC, North America’s first transnational railroad connecting U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where your career drives progress and safety is paramount. We connect communities, fuel economic growth, and provide meaningful work in a culture that values diversity, accountability, and pride. With opportunities for training, development, and advancement, you’re not just building a career—you’re part of something bigger. Together, we move goods, connect people, and create lasting change. Your future starts here. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Drive business success by designing, developing, testing, implementing, and maintaining robust software solutions on Mainframe Computer Systems. Deliver projects within an SDLC framework, support mission-critical applications, and foster best practices across the development team. This is a 7 month fixed term contract with possible extensions. POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES: Analyze, implement, maintain, and document system and application software Diagnose, isolate, and resolve complex software issues; provide expert troubleshooting and problem fixing Review, modify, and test existing programming systems, ensuring reliable and efficient operation in large-scale environments Lead needs analysis and requirement gathering for application development and implementation Ensure all delivered solutions align with business requirements and follow established SDLC methodologies Develop, code, and test new application programs and features; maintain thorough documentation of all development and revisions Share knowledge—coach developers on best practices and provide code reviews for quality assurance Participate in 24/7 on-call support rotation to provide rapid response and resolution for business-critical systems Monitor software health and performance, ensuring optimal application operation across the system lifecycle Contribute to post-implementation reviews to foster continuous improvement POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience developing and supporting complex, integrated application systems for Mainframe systems Proficient with a variety of programming languages, including Cobol-DB2/IMS, JCL and strong unit testing skills Strong understanding of SDLC processes and best practices PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: Background Investigation Criminal history check Education verification Professional references BECOMING A RAILROADER: As an employee with a North American presence, the possibility does exist that the location of your position may be changed based on organizational requirements. Management Conductor Program Becoming a qualified conductor or locomotive engineer is the single best way for a management employee to learn the business at CPKC. You may be required to obtain a certification or to maintain your current certification/qualification as a conductor or locomotive engineer. CULTURE OF INCLUSION: For our U.S. applicants, CPKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For Canadian applicants CPKC is an employment equity employer committed to the principles of employment equity and inclusion. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply including: women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. Accommodations for the job application process can be provided, as appropriate, upon request. All applicant information will be managed in accordance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Req ID: 106420 Department: Information Services & Network Service Centre (NSC) Job Type: Fixed Term Position Type: Non-Union Location: Calgary, Alberta Country: Canada % of Travel: 0-10% # of Positions: 1 Job Grade: 4 Job Available to: Internal & External

What you’ll do

Design, develop, test, implement, and maintain mainframe software and mission-critical applications within established SDLC processes. Troubleshoot complex issues, monitor application performance, document changes, support on-call operations, and coach developers through best practices and code reviews.

Requirements

Requires at least three years of hands-on experience developing and supporting complex, integrated mainframe application systems. Candidates must be proficient in COBOL with DB2/IMS, JCL, and unit testing, and have a strong understanding of SDLC processes and best practices.

Listed skills

• Technical Documentation · Preferred
• COBOL · Preferred
• Performance Monitoring · Preferred
• Requirements gathering · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Mainframe Software Development
• COBOL
• DB2
• IMS
• JCL
• Unit Testing
• SDLC
• Requirements Gathering
• Application Development
• Software Troubleshooting
• Software Testing
• Application Maintenance
• Technical Documentation
• Code Review
• Performance Monitoring
• On-Call Support

Job areas

• Software
• Technology
• Transportation
• Logistics