Lead Product Developer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Lead Product Developer based in Canada.
This is a senior technical leadership opportunity for an experienced mainframe developer to shape and enhance mission-critical IBM Db2 products. You will lead the design, development, testing, and maintenance of core solutions operating in complex z/OS and Db2 environments. Acting as a subject matter expert, you will influence technical direction, solve challenging system-level problems, and help maintain product quality and reliability. The role combines deep expertise in C, C++, and mainframe internals with technical mentoring and collaboration across global teams. You will also engage directly with international customers to resolve complex product issues and escalations. This is a fully remote position for candidates based in Canada or the United States, with occasional business travel.
Accountabilities
Lead the design, development, testing, maintenance, and delivery of Db2 products and solutions using C, C++, HLASM, and related technologies.
Drive the implementation of complex product enhancements and resolve sophisticated software defects across core mainframe solutions.
Develop high-quality technical designs and evaluate alternative solutions using broad knowledge of mainframe architecture and systems programming.
Conduct code and design reviews to maintain engineering standards, product quality, and technical consistency.
Assess changes introduced by IBM Db2, determine their impact on existing products, and keep development practices aligned with evolving mainframe technologies and industry trends.
Investigate and troubleshoot complex issues at both application and system levels, including dump analysis and low-level operating system behavior.
Work directly with global customers to investigate and resolve critical product issues and technical escalations.
Serve as a technical subject matter expert, mentoring developers and providing guidance across projects and teams.
Contribute to continuous improvements in the product development lifecycle, including the adoption of AI-assisted tools for software design, coding, testing, debugging, refactoring, and documentation.
Requirements
10+ years of experience working in IBM z/OS environments, with strong knowledge of z/OS structure, logic, and internals, as well as Db2 internals.
10+ years of IBM mainframe development experience, including extensive systems-level programming in C and C++, beyond application development alone.
Strong working knowledge of HLASM, CLIST, and JCL.
Significant experience with JES2 and the IBM mainframe ecosystem, including TSO/ISPF, Db2, and VSAM.
Strong dump-reading and diagnostic skills using tools such as IPCS and XDC.
Experience developing system-level code that uses low-level operating system functions to achieve specific technical outcomes.
Ability to translate business requirements into functional designs and technical specifications.
Proven ability to troubleshoot complex application and system-level problems.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Clear communication and technical leadership skills, including the ability to mentor developers and explain complex technical concepts.
Familiarity with source code management tools such as BMC Code Pipeline and GitHub is an advantage.
Knowledge of IBM z/OSMF workflows and SMP/E is beneficial.
Experience with mainframe Db2 and z/OS system administration or mainframe product support is an asset.
Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools such as Cursor.Ai, particularly for code generation, unit testing, debugging, refactoring, code reviews, and technical documentation, is a plus.
Candidates must be based in Canada or the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Benefits
Estimated annual base salary range of $132,975–$221,625;
actual compensation depends on skills, experience, training, and organizational considerations.
Potential eligibility for variable compensation, depending on the role and applicable plan.
Country-specific employee benefits;
detailed healthcare, retirement, and leave provisions are not specified in the listing.
Fully remote working arrangement for eligible candidates based in Canada or the United States.
Opportunity to work on established, business-critical IBM Db2 and z/OS products.
Exposure to complex systems programming, evolving mainframe technologies, and AI-assisted development practices.
Opportunities to contribute technical expertise, mentor colleagues, and collaborate with global teams.
Occasional business travel may be required.
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