COBOL Software Engineer in Sheffield

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.