STEM OPT Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs
Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer roles in financial services, insurance, and government contracting regularly qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months of F-1 work authorization. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your STEM degree in computer science, information systems, or a related CIP-coded field must align with the role.
Find STEM OPT Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 3,384+ Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs
See all 3,384+ Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTitle: EDP Programmer II (Senior Desktop Support Technician)
Executive Area: Administration and Finance
College/School/MBU: A&F Information Technology
Department: A&F Information Technology
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job Summary
UMass Amherst Information Technology specializes in delivering solutions tailored to the unique needs of UMass Amherst departments and focuses on providing comprehensive management, support, compliance, and incident resolution for university-owned equipment. The Senior Desktop Support Technician (EDP Programmer II) is responsible for providing advanced technical support to IT clients in academic and administrative departments encompassing faculty, staff, and students, troubleshooting escalated complex desktop and software issues, and ensuring the security of the university-owned systems.
Essential Functions
Customer Service and Escalation Management: 30%
-
Provides customer support through various channels such as onsite visits, phone, service requests, and chat/remote assistance while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction through excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
-
Acts as an escalation point, assists Tier 1 technicians in resolving complex technical issues to maintain operational efficiency, and communicates effectively with IT teams to facilitate the resolution of service requests resolutions within set Service Level Agreement (SLA) standards.
Technical Duties and Issue Resolution: 50%
-
Diagnoses and troubleshoots escalated connectivity issues, including network systems, applications, printers, workstations. Troubleshoots hardware and software issues related to desktops, laptops, printers, and peripherals.
-
Deploys, updates, and maintains software applications, and performs system imaging, executes data recovery, and manages lifecycle maintenance of workstations ensuring optimal functionality. Manages current versions of macOS and Windows workstations. Manages computers, users, groups, group policy, and provides maintenance and support related to Active Directory services. Tier 2 (intermediate) systems implementation, troubleshooting, and analysis.
-
Explores, tests, and evaluates emerging technologies for potential adoption and implementation.
-
Performs routine maintenance and repairs on desktop computers, mobile devices, and peripherals. Proposes and implements solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
-
Collaborates with and assists their supervisor with technical tasks and contributes to high-level projects. Effectively establishes priority and urgency levels for tasks to ensure timely and effective resolution.
-
Operates university-owned motor vehicle to travel to various work sites.
Training, Development and Documentation: 10%
-
Stays up to date with established and emerging network standards, PC operating systems, software applications, hardware platforms, peripherals, security practices, programming languages, and industry certifications.
-
Accurately documents technical procedures and knowledge base articles, and records all completed tasks and assignments.
Other Functions
Other Functions: 10%
-
Identifies areas for process improvement and recommends strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
-
Provides instructions to both new and existing users/clients on system features, capabilities, and policies.
-
Performs additional assigned duties, which may include travel to various work sites using a motor vehicle and overseeing up to three student employees.
Minimum Qualifications
-
Two (2) years of relevant experience, which includes: Hardware and software troubleshooting and repair. Experience in installation, maintenance, configuration, and troubleshooting of current macOS and Windows operating systems, applications, and network client software.
-
Associate degree or above can substitute for one (1) year of relevant experience. Education towards such a degree or diploma will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
-
Valid driver’s license.
-
Excellent customer service skills and experience supporting users at every organizational level in a courteous and professional manner through various modalities, including in person, remotely either over the phone, through written instructions or with remote assistance software.
-
Demonstrated proficiency in recognizing, investigating, and resolving technical issues, while offering end-user support across a range of technical applications, systems, and operating system challenges.
-
Experience or working knowledge of installing, configuring, and maintaining networked client software and operating systems, with a focus on software and hardware problem resolution and repair, and working knowledge in installing and configuring computer hardware, operating systems, applications, and peripherals in both macOS and Windows environments.
-
Working knowledge of TCP/IP networking, managing shared resources, and ensuring security in networked environment. Familiarity with IT security functions and practices. Thorough knowledge or experience troubleshooting VPN clients, wired and wireless network configurations.
-
Aptitude to read and understand technical manuals, procedural documentation, and online vendor knowledge base articles for learning new software and resolving technical issues.
-
Ability to work at a self-guided pace and as part of a team providing timely, high quality, customer-focused services to members of the campus community.
-
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, especially in consultation and accurate communication with non-technical individuals on technical matters are required.
-
Occasional availability during nights and weekends to carry out projects that require minimal downtime of production systems.
-
Ability to pass Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) background check.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Experience with M365 and Google environments.
-
Experience with JAMF, KACE, and multiuser environment imaging.
-
Technical certification (e.g., CompTIA A+).
-
Experience in managing redundant devices and ensuring high availability within Storage Area Networks.
-
Familiarity with enterprise-level virtualization technologies with focus on high availability.
-
Proficiency in implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting networking.
-
Proficiency in TCP/IP, networking, and related equipment implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday-Friday; 8:30am - 5:00pm
Some off-hour/weekend work will be required to respond to critical Enterprise Services problems and modifications.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 16
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
Title: EDP Programmer II (Senior Desktop Support Technician)
Executive Area: Administration and Finance
College/School/MBU: A&F Information Technology
Department: A&F Information Technology
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job Summary
UMass Amherst Information Technology specializes in delivering solutions tailored to the unique needs of UMass Amherst departments and focuses on providing comprehensive management, support, compliance, and incident resolution for university-owned equipment. The Senior Desktop Support Technician (EDP Programmer II) is responsible for providing advanced technical support to IT clients in academic and administrative departments encompassing faculty, staff, and students, troubleshooting escalated complex desktop and software issues, and ensuring the security of the university-owned systems.
Essential Functions
Customer Service and Escalation Management: 30%
-
Provides customer support through various channels such as onsite visits, phone, service requests, and chat/remote assistance while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction through excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
-
Acts as an escalation point, assists Tier 1 technicians in resolving complex technical issues to maintain operational efficiency, and communicates effectively with IT teams to facilitate the resolution of service requests resolutions within set Service Level Agreement (SLA) standards.
Technical Duties and Issue Resolution: 50%
-
Diagnoses and troubleshoots escalated connectivity issues, including network systems, applications, printers, workstations. Troubleshoots hardware and software issues related to desktops, laptops, printers, and peripherals.
-
Deploys, updates, and maintains software applications, and performs system imaging, executes data recovery, and manages lifecycle maintenance of workstations ensuring optimal functionality. Manages current versions of macOS and Windows workstations. Manages computers, users, groups, group policy, and provides maintenance and support related to Active Directory services. Tier 2 (intermediate) systems implementation, troubleshooting, and analysis.
-
Explores, tests, and evaluates emerging technologies for potential adoption and implementation.
-
Performs routine maintenance and repairs on desktop computers, mobile devices, and peripherals. Proposes and implements solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
-
Collaborates with and assists their supervisor with technical tasks and contributes to high-level projects. Effectively establishes priority and urgency levels for tasks to ensure timely and effective resolution.
-
Operates university-owned motor vehicle to travel to various work sites.
Training, Development and Documentation: 10%
-
Stays up to date with established and emerging network standards, PC operating systems, software applications, hardware platforms, peripherals, security practices, programming languages, and industry certifications.
-
Accurately documents technical procedures and knowledge base articles, and records all completed tasks and assignments.
Other Functions
Other Functions: 10%
-
Identifies areas for process improvement and recommends strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
-
Provides instructions to both new and existing users/clients on system features, capabilities, and policies.
-
Performs additional assigned duties, which may include travel to various work sites using a motor vehicle and overseeing up to three student employees.
Minimum Qualifications
-
Two (2) years of relevant experience, which includes: Hardware and software troubleshooting and repair. Experience in installation, maintenance, configuration, and troubleshooting of current macOS and Windows operating systems, applications, and network client software.
-
Associate degree or above can substitute for one (1) year of relevant experience. Education towards such a degree or diploma will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
-
Valid driver’s license.
-
Excellent customer service skills and experience supporting users at every organizational level in a courteous and professional manner through various modalities, including in person, remotely either over the phone, through written instructions or with remote assistance software.
-
Demonstrated proficiency in recognizing, investigating, and resolving technical issues, while offering end-user support across a range of technical applications, systems, and operating system challenges.
-
Experience or working knowledge of installing, configuring, and maintaining networked client software and operating systems, with a focus on software and hardware problem resolution and repair, and working knowledge in installing and configuring computer hardware, operating systems, applications, and peripherals in both macOS and Windows environments.
-
Working knowledge of TCP/IP networking, managing shared resources, and ensuring security in networked environment. Familiarity with IT security functions and practices. Thorough knowledge or experience troubleshooting VPN clients, wired and wireless network configurations.
-
Aptitude to read and understand technical manuals, procedural documentation, and online vendor knowledge base articles for learning new software and resolving technical issues.
-
Ability to work at a self-guided pace and as part of a team providing timely, high quality, customer-focused services to members of the campus community.
-
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, especially in consultation and accurate communication with non-technical individuals on technical matters are required.
-
Occasional availability during nights and weekends to carry out projects that require minimal downtime of production systems.
-
Ability to pass Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) background check.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Experience with M365 and Google environments.
-
Experience with JAMF, KACE, and multiuser environment imaging.
-
Technical certification (e.g., CompTIA A+).
-
Experience in managing redundant devices and ensuring high availability within Storage Area Networks.
-
Familiarity with enterprise-level virtualization technologies with focus on high availability.
-
Proficiency in implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting networking.
-
Proficiency in TCP/IP, networking, and related equipment implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday-Friday; 8:30am - 5:00pm
Some off-hour/weekend work will be required to respond to critical Enterprise Services problems and modifications.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 16
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
See all 3,384+ STEM OPT Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Check the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm your computer science, electrical engineering, or information systems degree carries an eligible CIP code before targeting mainframe roles. A mismatched CIP code can disqualify your extension application even if your skills fit the job.
Target industries with active mainframe workloads
Focus your search on financial institutions, insurance carriers, federal agencies, and large healthcare payers. These sectors run legacy COBOL and z/OS environments that justify dedicated mainframe headcount and have HR teams experienced with E-Verify enrollment and OPT work authorization paperwork.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting any offer
Ask HR directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you sign. You can also cross-check by requesting their E-Verify company ID. An employer that isn't enrolled cannot legally employ you under STEM OPT, and retroactive enrollment after your start date doesn't remedy the gap.
Build your I-983 training plan around z/OS deliverables
Draft your I-983 training plan with specific, measurable objectives tied to mainframe work: COBOL module migration, JCL automation, RACF security implementation, or performance tuning on z/OS. Generic training language gets flagged by DSOs; role-specific milestones demonstrate a genuine employer-supervised learning relationship.
Use Migrate Mate to find E-Verify verified employers
Search Migrate Mate for Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer openings filtered to employers already enrolled in E-Verify. This removes the manual verification step and surfaces companies with documented OPT sponsorship history, so you can focus interviews on technical fit rather than authorization logistics.
Negotiate your start date around cap-gap protection
If your OPT expires before October 1 and an H-1B visa petition is filed on your behalf, cap-gap rules extend your work authorization automatically. Coordinate your mainframe role start date and any internal project handoffs with this timeline so a gap in authorization doesn't interrupt a critical system cutover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, provided your degree is in an eligible STEM field such as computer science, computer engineering, or information systems and carries an approved CIP code on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List. The role itself must also constitute a legitimate training opportunity with a direct connection to your degree field, documented in your I-983 training plan.
How do I find Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs where the employer is already enrolled in E-Verify?
Migrate Mate filters job listings to employers with verified E-Verify enrollment, which is a legal requirement for STEM OPT positions. You can also ask HR for the company's E-Verify company ID or check directly with E-Verify before accepting an offer. Confirming enrollment before your start date protects your work authorization status.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a mainframe systems programmer position?
Your I-983 must list specific, measurable learning objectives tied to your day-to-day mainframe work, such as optimizing batch job scheduling in JCL, developing COBOL applications, administering z/OS system resources, or implementing RACF security controls. Both you and your employer supervisor must sign it, and your DSO must approve it before your STEM OPT extension begins.
What STEM degrees make me eligible for STEM OPT in a mainframe systems programmer role?
Degrees in computer science, computer engineering, information systems, electrical engineering, or applied mathematics typically qualify, provided the CIP code appears on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List. A degree in a non-STEM field like business administration would not qualify, even if your coursework included programming. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying.
How does cap-gap protection apply if my OPT expires while I'm working as a mainframe systems programmer?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap rules automatically extend your F-1 work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working in your mainframe role during this period without interruption, as long as your employer maintains your employment and the petition remains pending.