Explore a unique and critical niche in the technology landscape with RPG and COBOL Developer jobs. These professionals are the specialized engineers who maintain, modernize, and ensure the smooth operation of some of the world's most stable and vital business systems. Operating primarily on the IBM i (formerly iSeries, AS/400) platform, they work with programming languages that form the backbone of core business functions for countless industries, including finance, manufacturing, logistics, insurance, and healthcare. While considered legacy, these systems are far from obsolete; they run mission-critical applications that process billions of transactions daily, creating a consistent demand for skilled developers who understand this robust environment. A career as an RPG and COBOL Developer typically involves a deep focus on application lifecycle management for existing enterprise software. General responsibilities include analyzing business requirements, designing and writing new program modules, and extensively maintaining and enhancing decades-old codebases. Developers in this field spend significant time troubleshooting complex production issues, providing support for daily and monthly batch processing jobs, and ensuring data integrity across interfaces with both modern and legacy systems. They are often tasked with translating business needs—such as new reporting features, regulatory changes, or process improvements—into functional, efficient code. Furthermore, a key modern aspect of the role is participating in strategic modernization initiatives, which may involve refactoring code, integrating APIs, or facilitating partial data migrations to newer platforms, all while ensuring uninterrupted business operations. The typical skill set for these roles is highly specialized. Proficiency in RPG (particularly RPG IV, ILE, and Free Format) and COBOL is fundamental, coupled with a strong understanding of the IBM i operating system and its native database, DB2. Developers must possess exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex, often poorly documented, code. Knowledge of CL (Control Language) for scripting and job control is common, as is experience with tools like SEU, RDi (Rational Developer for i), and source control management. Beyond technical prowess, successful professionals exhibit strong communication skills to collaborate with business analysts, end-users, and cross-functional teams, bridging the gap between traditional systems and contemporary business needs. They are meticulous in documenting their work to preserve institutional knowledge. For those seeking stable, high-impact careers working on essential systems, RPG and COBOL Developer jobs offer a rewarding path. These roles provide the opportunity to be an indispensable expert, ensuring the continuity and evolution of the digital infrastructure that powers global commerce.
