At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to maintain and modernise vital payment systems using COBOL.
- Company: DWP Digital, a leader in public service technology.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on services relied upon by millions while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microfocus COBOL and a passion for mentoring junior engineers.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
DWP. Digital with Purpose. We need software engineers with skills in COBOL. As a COBOL Software Engineer, you'll join one of DWP Digital's specialist engineering teams responsible for maintaining, modernising and transforming the core platforms that keep vital payments flowing to over 15 million people every year. These systems - built using Microfocus COBOL - are at the heart of DWP's operational stability, and your work will directly impact the availability, accuracy and resilience of services relied upon by millions.
This is a hands-on engineering role with real leadership impact. You'll guide and develop a team of 5 engineers, drive technical direction across multiple applications and lead the modernisation of some of the most significant legacy services in government. Over time, you'll play a role in helping DWP transition these core systems into Java-based services, giving you continued exposure to new and emerging technologies.
The scale of what we do is extraordinary, and our purpose is unique. We’d love you to join us.
What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?
- Strong, hands-on experience working with Microfocus COBOL, especially building or maintaining large-scale systems.
- Awareness of additional technologies such as Tuxedo, Red Hat Enterprise Linux and scripting languages.
- Understanding of tools or languages like Python, Java, Ansible, Jira, and cloud platforms such as AWS.
- Knowledge of SQL and the fundamentals of object-oriented principles.
- Awareness of test-driven development and approaches like business-driven development.
- Understanding of automated testing and how it fits into continuous deployment environments.
You and your role
As a COBOL Software Engineer, you'll be central to maintaining and modernising the platforms that deliver over £150bn in payments every year. These services are some of the largest and most important in the UK, and you'll be responsible for ensuring they remain stable, secure and resilient. You'll work within our delivery teams, helping to lead refactoring work across some of our major COBOL applications, modernising how they operate today and preparing them for the strategic technology shift DWP is undertaking over the next decade.
This role has a strong leadership and development focus. You'll coach and mentor junior engineers, support those progressing through our Engineering Academy, and help grow the next generation of specialist COBOL talent. You'll also provide 3rd-line support when needed, resolving complex technical issues that require deep system understanding.
We can promise challenge and variety. One day you might be leading technical improvements to legacy codebases; the next, planning infrastructure maintenance, resolving live service challenges, or influencing how we deliver future modernisation programmes. If you enjoy solving complex engineering problems and developing the next generation of engineering talent, then this is an opportunity to make a real impact and leave a long-lasting legacy on the future of public services.
Details
Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield, whichever is most convenient for you.
Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.
Pay: We offer pay up to £59,813. That’s £46,547 salary plus a Digital Allowance of up to £13,266 subject to our assessment of your capability at interview.
Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £13,485 per year.
Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 24 days and rising to 26 days after one year. You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.
We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:
- Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies.
- Time off volunteering and charitable giving.
- Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'.
- Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more.
- Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference.
- Sports and social activities.
- Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
And we have an award-winning environment and culture:
- DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards.
- Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024.
- Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025.
- Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards.
Process
We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:
- Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
- Interview: a single stage interview online. Click APPLY for more information and to start your application.
COBOL Software Engineer employer: DWP Digital
DWP is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for COBOL Software Engineers to make a significant impact on public services while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a robust pension scheme and professional growth opportunities, DWP fosters an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in one of our vibrant digital hubs across the UK, where your contributions will help shape the future of vital services for millions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land COBOL Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former DWP employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won't find in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your COBOL skills and be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on. DWP is looking for hands-on experience, so be ready to showcase your problem-solving abilities with real examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your leadership chops! Since this role involves guiding a team, think of examples where you've led projects or mentored others. Highlighting your ability to develop talent will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining DWP and making a difference in public services.
We think you need these skills to ace COBOL Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience with Microfocus COBOL and any relevant technologies. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about modernising legacy systems and how you can contribute to DWP’s mission. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since this role has a strong leadership focus, make sure to highlight any experience you have in mentoring or guiding teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others, so share those experiences!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital
✨Know Your COBOL Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Microfocus COBOL skills. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with large-scale systems and how you've tackled challenges in maintaining or modernising them. Prepare examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Related Technologies
Since the role involves transitioning to Java-based services, it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of Java, SQL, and cloud platforms like AWS. Mention any experience you have with Tuxedo, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or scripting languages. This shows you're adaptable and keen to learn.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this position has a strong leadership focus, be prepared to talk about your experience in mentoring or coaching junior engineers. Share specific instances where you've guided a team through technical challenges or contributed to their professional development.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Mindset
The interviewers will want to see how you approach complex engineering problems. Think of examples where you've successfully resolved issues in legacy codebases or improved system performance. Highlight your understanding of test-driven development and automated testing as part of your strategy.
