Our client is looking for a Mainframe Application Developer & Support Engineer (COBOL) on a contract basis to be based in Milton Keynes.
The ideal candidate will have a CTC clearance in place, but we would consider candidates that are eligible.
Please note that this role is inside IR35.

Job Summary:
Develops and maintains custom applications, provides technical support for developed applications and ensures applications are well integrated with other front-end applications, networks and databases. Evaluates, modifies, tests and supports implementation of software solutions to help meet defined business needs. Performs application configuration, setup and enhancement. Evaluates new packages, releases, upgrades and other changes to understand change requirements, cost implications, timings and potential user impact. Recommends changes in application development, maintenance and system standards.

Required skills:
* COBOL
* DMS (hierarchical database)/RDMS (relational database) database experience
* An understanding of Transaction Processing (TIP/HVTIP) or similar.

Key responsibilities:
* Provides Software Applications Engineering support for larger and more complex applications / project areas.
* Performs build and deployment for application development efforts.
* Designs basic requirements that are effective, timely and comply with project standards.
* Configures, programs and tests applications / technical architecture components.
* Fixes defects and performance related problems.
* Accountable for service commitments at individual request level for in scope development work.
* Reviews design, coding, and unit testing to ensure compliance with the standard defined for the project.
* Works with the BA team to understand requirements and use cases.
* Develop sizing for assigned use cases with inputs from the BA team.
* Deploys QAT or UAT environments independently.
* Works closely with the testing team to understand existing and newly generated issues (regression) and works towards providing solutions.
* Explores alternative solutions by selecting the best option, through applying DAR techniques.
* Participates in code reviews, works with other developers, designers, and architects to ensure requirements are met.
* Ensures the integrity of pre-production environments, such as development, test, QA and staging environments.
* Leads efforts in specific process improvement and technical automation areas.
* Provides regular status updates for self / team to project lead / manager.
* Helps less experienced team members in completion of upskilling training / tasks.





Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take up to a minimum 10 weeks. LA International is a HMG approved ICT Recruitment and Project Solutions Consultancy, operating globally from the largest single site in the UK as an IT Consultancy or as an Employment Business & Agency depending upon the precise nature of the work, for security cleared jobs or non-clearance vacancies, LA International welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds.

Award Winning LA International, winner of the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Best IT Recruitment Company, Best Public Sector Recruitment Company and overall Gold Award winner, has now secured the most prestigious business award that any business can receive, The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade, for the second consecutive period.