At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical solutions and support high-impact client projects in Mainframe Modernization.
- Company: Thoughtworks is a vibrant tech community transforming businesses with innovative solutions for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible career development, collaborative culture, and opportunities for continuous learning.
- Why this job: Be a key player in evolving technology while mentoring others and shaping impactful solutions.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in software engineering with expertise in Mainframe Modernization and legacy systems.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to pushing boundaries and empowering each other.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Service Specialist for Mainframe Modernization in Germany is a senior subject matter expert responsible for technical excellence, solution integrity, and asset development within the service line. This hands-on role supports high-impact client engagements, contributes to pre-sales and solution design, and ensures the regional adoption and evolution of service-specific delivery frameworks, tools, and best practices. The Service Specialist brings deep expertise in Legacy Modernization as well as Mainframe Modernization, serving as a trusted technical advisor to both clients and internal teams. This role is key to ensuring delivery quality, enabling service adoption, and evolving the technical maturity of the offering.
Job responsibilities
- Contribute technical leadership in solution shaping, proposals, and pursuit support.
- Validate delivery feasibility, architecture, tooling, and resourcing during pre-sales.
- Work with Solution Strategists, Service leads to ensure technical alignment with the offering’s value proposition.
- Act as a bridge between delivery teams and global service development to improve service assets and positioning.
- Capture real-world challenges and innovations from engagements to shape the evolution of the offering.
- Stay current with emerging tools, methods, and trends relevant to the Mainframe Modernization domain.
- Mentor engineers, architects, and consultants within the service domain.
- Support training, onboarding, and hands-on skill development to deepen regional capability.
- Share knowledge through internal enablement sessions, demos, and thought leadership.
Job qualifications
Technical Skills
- Mainframe technologies such as COBOL, JCL, CICS, Eztrieve, DB2 for z/OS, Assembler, PL/I, IMS, Rexx, GDGs, and VSAM, common utilities, schedulers.
- Experience with modern technologies like OO languages (Java or C#), Document stores, distributed service architectures, streaming, cloud-native architectures, Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
- Experience leading phase-wise mainframe migration efforts from conception to delivery.
- Experience with 2-3 Rs strategies to migrate mainframe workloads.
- Strong grasp of software or platform design principles, architecture patterns, and toolchains.
- Ability to translate technical insights into business impact and actionable decisions.
- Experience guiding teams, mentoring peers, and supporting cross-functional initiatives.
- Skilled at framing problems, proposing fit-for-purpose solutions, and adapting accelerators to client context.
- Committed to building and improving reusable IP and delivery accelerators.
Professional Skills
- 10+ years in software engineering, platform delivery, or technical consulting, with significant experience in legacy modernization.
- 2-3 years as a subject matter expert or senior technical advisor in Mainframe Modernization.
- Experience supporting solution design and technical delivery in complex enterprise environments.
- Proven ability to develop and support delivery tools, frameworks, and reusable assets.
- Promote reuse of service-specific assets across regions.
- Identify opportunities to modularize and codify reusable components from client work.
- Support delivery teams in solving complex client problems using service-aligned approaches.
- Ensure consistent and effective application of service-specific frameworks, methods, and tools.
- Maintain technical quality and consistency across service-led engagements.
Other things to know
Learning & Development
Thoughtworks offers a flexible career development environment supported by interactive tools, development programs, and collaborative teammates. We value helping each other grow and empower our employees in their career journeys.
About Thoughtworks
Thoughtworks is a dynamic, inclusive community of innovative colleagues revolutionizing technology. For over 30 years, we’ve delivered impactful solutions to complex business problems, pushing boundaries through purposeful work. Join us with your expertise and passion for continuous learning. Let’s be extraordinary together.
Service Specialist – Mainframe Modernization employer: Thoughtworks Inc.
Contact Detail:
Thoughtworks Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Specialist – Mainframe Modernization
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific mainframe technologies mentioned in the job description, such as COBOL and JCL. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills in these areas can significantly boost your credibility during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in Mainframe Modernization. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences. This can provide you with valuable insights and possibly even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on emerging trends and tools in the Mainframe Modernization space. Being able to discuss recent advancements or methodologies during your interview will demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and your expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to articulate how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of the Service Specialist role. Think of specific examples where you've contributed to solution design or led teams in complex environments, as this will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Specialist – Mainframe Modernization
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Service Specialist – Mainframe Modernization position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in mainframe technologies and legacy modernization.
Highlight Technical Expertise: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your technical skills related to mainframe technologies such as COBOL, JCL, and DB2 for z/OS. Include specific examples of projects where you've successfully led mainframe migration efforts or contributed to solution design.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since this role requires mentoring and guiding teams, be sure to include any leadership roles you've held. Discuss how you've supported cross-functional initiatives and contributed to the development of delivery tools and frameworks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only reiterate your qualifications but also convey your passion for continuous learning and innovation in technology. Mention how you can contribute to Thoughtworks' mission and values, and why you're excited about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thoughtworks Inc.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Service Specialist for Mainframe Modernization, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep knowledge of mainframe technologies and modern alternatives. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully led mainframe migration efforts or implemented innovative solutions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to translate technical insights into business impact. Think of examples from your past experiences where you framed problems and proposed fit-for-purpose solutions.
✨Highlight Mentorship Experience
Since mentoring is a key part of this role, be ready to share instances where you've guided engineers or consultants. Discuss how you supported their development and contributed to building regional capabilities within the service domain.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Demonstrating your awareness of emerging tools and trends in Mainframe Modernization will set you apart. Research recent advancements and be prepared to discuss how they could impact the service line and client engagements.