Job Purpose

The Software Engineer is responsible for the technical development and implementation of data conversion programs as part of customer loan acquisition projects. This role owns the technical execution of each conversion, from initial program design and development through unit testing, system integration, and go-live support.

The Software Engineer works closely with Business Analysts, consultants, and managers, and serves as the primary development lead, translating detailed mapping specifications into accurate, efficient COBOL/JCL programs that convert source data correctly into MSP. This role requires strong technical expertise, structured problem-solving, and the ability to deliver reliable code in ambiguous and fast-paced project environments.

The Software Engineer is also responsible for running mainframe jobs as needed, ensuring the results are accurate, and delivering the data to our clients. 

The Software Engineer leads and owns the technical development and execution of acquisition data conversion programs. This role is responsible for ensuring that conversion code is accurate, efficient, and produces data that is complete and correct within MSP and related systems.

This is a hands-on, outcome-driven development role. Success requires the ability to write reliable COBOL programs from complex mapping specifications, debug issues methodically, determine what the problem is not, and arrive at sound technical solutions through evidence, testing, and structured reasoning. The role operates in fast-paced project environments where ambiguity is common and technical precision is essential.

Responsibilities

• Technical Development & Delivery

  • Design, develop, and unit test mainframe COBOL programs and JCL for assigned acquisition data conversion projects

  • Own technical outcomes and code accuracy for all assigned conversion programs

  • Complete development work within established project timelines and proactively escalate technical risks or blockers

  • Manage and prioritize development workload across multiple concurrent conversion projects, adjusting priorities as demands change

• Program Design, Mapping Implementation & Conversion Development

  • Analyze Business Analyst mapping specifications to understand conversion logic, data transformation rules, and target MSP requirements

  • Translate complex mapping specifications and business rules into efficient, maintainable COBOL programs and JCL procedures

  • Identify technical gaps, and ambiguities in mapping specifications and raise them with Business Analysts for resolution

  • Partner with Business Analysts to clarify conversion logic and validate that it aligns with business intent

• Testing, Debugging & Issue Resolution

  • Conduct thorough unit testing of developed programs to validate data completeness, accuracy, and functional correctness

  • Analyze test results, file reconciliations, and output discrepancies to identify root cause

  • Independently debug conversion programs using structured diagnostic techniques and hypothesis-driven investigation

  • Diagnose whether issues originate from program logic, JCL configuration, source data interpretation, transformation processes, or system behavior

  • Verify resolutions through regression testing and documented validation in coordination with the Business Analyst

• Collaboration with Business Analysts & Stakeholders

  • Work directly with Business Analysts to review mapping specifications, clarify technical requirements, and align on conversion approach and delivery

  • Communicate technical constraints, risks, and findings clearly to Business Analysts and project managers

  • Support Business Analysts and clients during testing and implementation phases by providing rapid investigation and resolution of technical issues

  • Provide timely, thorough follow-up on technical findings and issue status to project team members

• Team Collaboration & Coordination

  • Work closely with Business Analysts, consultants, and project managers to maintain development momentum and resolve technical blockers

  • Coordinate development handoffs between analysis, coding, and testing activities to ensure continuity

  • Provide clear technical guidance and code documentation to support project team understanding and knowledge transfer

• Process & Continuous Improvement

  • Identify recurring technical or conversion programming issues and contribute to reusable code libraries and process improvements

  • Participate in the development and maintenance of departmental coding standards, documentation, and technical runbooks

  • Identify technical issues that may affect multiple projects or clients and collaborate with the team on systemic resolution approaches

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; equivalent technical experience will be considered

• 4+ years of experience in mainframe development, mortgage servicing technology, or data conversion programming roles

• Acquisition and/or system conversion development experience

• Working knowledge of MSP and mortgage servicing data structures and processing

• Strong understanding of how data is extracted, transformed, and loaded between disparate source systems and target platforms at the program level

• Required technical skills: COBOL, JCL, VSAM, IBM z/OS mainframe environment

• Preferred technical skills: ISPF/SDSF, File-AID, Endeavor or ChangeMan, MQ Series, DB2 (beneficial but not required)

• Strong technical problem-solving and debugging skills, with the ability to diagnose complex conversion issues where the root cause is not immediately apparent

• Skilled in forming hypotheses, testing assumptions through code and data analysis, and using evidence to eliminate potential causes

• Able to solve complex, multi-variable program and data issues through structured investigation rather than relying on predefined solutions

• Takes ownership of technical problems from identification through validated resolution

• Comfortable working from incomplete or evolving mapping specifications and proactively resolving ambiguities with Business Analysts

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical findings and code behavior to non-technical team members

• Organized, self-directed, and able to manage development work across multiple complex projects concurrently

• Detail-oriented with the ability to identify patterns and systemic coding or data issues across projects

• Collaborative team player who takes ownership and drives technical issues to resolution

• Demonstrated ability to deliver quality code within tight timelines and shifting priorities