Journeyman Computer Programmers

CSS is seeking five (5) experienced Journeyman Computer Programmers to support the maintenance, development, and modernization of DRAS at DFAS. DRAS is an IBM z/OS mainframe system comprising the Retired and Casualty Pay System (RCPS), Annuity Pay System (APS), and Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC), collectively processing approximately $6 billion per month for 2.5 million military retirees and beneficiaries. Team members will operate under the direction of the Technical Lead Programmer and execute the full software development lifecycle including requirements analysis, coding, unit testing, peer review, code turnover, and production support.

Key Responsibilities

Software Development & Unit Testing

• Develop and maintain COBOL programs for z/OS mainframe environments, meeting all SCR specifications and DRAS design documentation requirements, free of defects.


• Write and execute JCL, CICS transactions, and SQL queries as required; utilize ADS-Online, ADS-Batch, and MQ Series as directed.


• Perform unit testing of Configuration Items (CIs) to confirm correct functionality; complete and document test results in compliance with DFAS business processes.


• Upon successful test completion, move code into designated staging areas and notify appropriate parties for production deployment.


• Ensure all code complies with DRAS-defined coding standards, industry best practices, and DFAS CMM Level 3 requirements.

Requirements Analysis

• Review SCRs, white papers, email requests, and meeting action items from R&A Operations and other sources.


• Contribute to written impact analyses of proposed changes, identifying affected system components and providing rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimates with +/- 15% accuracy for staff-hours and calendar days.


• Execute data queries to identify data conditions relevant to detailed requirements reviews.


• Participate in user needs analysis, system analysis and design, and technical documentation activities.

Code Turnover & Peer Review

• Participate in code walkthroughs, reviewing all testing plans and results to confirm required testing is complete and all defects are identified.


• Participate in Peer Review meetings; present and receive feedback on defects, code efficiency, and conformance with coding standards.


• Maintain 95% monthly attendance at all required peer review and team meetings.

Production Support

• Provide production support to research and resolve issues affecting DRAS payroll processing (RCPS, APS, CRSC).


• Monitor production performance and job execution; document 100% of reported issues in accordance with DFAS business processes.


• Participate in ad hoc user meetings to assist in resolving application issues as directed by the Technical Lead or COR.

SDLC & Process Compliance

• Comply with DFAS-defined timeframes for program analysis, programming, unit testing, and pre-implementation support within the DRAS SDLC.


• Participate in system requirements reviews, critical design reviews, test readiness reviews, and post-implementation reviews.


• Participate in the DRAS Agile transformation effort; attend DFAS-sponsored Agile Boot Camp training and meet defined maturity expectations during the transition.


• Maintain regular attendance at team meetings; actively contribute to team standup and planning sessions.

Training & Security Compliance

• Complete all required DoD mandatory training within 30 days of CAC receipt: Cyber Awareness Challenge, CUI Training, Antiterrorism Level I, Insider Threat Awareness, Privacy Act, Records Management, and Unauthorized Disclosure of Classified Information.


• Renew all mandatory training modules annually to maintain DFAS network and system access.


• Adhere to all DFAS security requirements including physical security, information security, CAC usage, and CUI handling policies.


• Immediately report any security incidents or violations to the contractor FSO, DFAS Manager, CO, COR, Director of Force Protection, and DFAS Personnel Security.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and directly applicable mainframe development experience.


• Minimum 5 years of hands-on IBM mainframe programming experience with COBOL for z/OS as the primary language.


• Working proficiency in JCL, CICS, and z/OS 2.1 operating environment.


• Experience with VSAM file structures and at least one of: DB2, IDMS.


• Familiarity with TSO, ROSCOE, and common mainframe debugging tools (e.g., Abendaid, MaxUtil, SyncSort).


• Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member within a structured SDLC environment.


• Active or adjudicable Tier 3 / Noncritical-Sensitive (IT-II) background investigation.


• Must be a U.S. citizen; males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior DRAS program experience (RCPS, APS, and/or CRSC subsystems) strongly preferred.


• Experience with DoD or federal payroll processing systems; familiarity with DoD FMR Vol. 5 financial management regulations a plus.


• Proficiency with ADS-Online, ADS-Batch, MQ Series, CA Librarian, CA-View/DocView, Control-M, Connect Direct, or other third-party tools in the DRAS technology stack.


• Familiarity with SQL and structured query design for production data research.


• Exposure to Agile or iterative SDLC methodologies in legacy mainframe environments.


• Experience with or understanding of PeopleSoft Global Payroll in a DoD context.

Work Environment & Security Requirements

• Primary performance at DFAS Cleveland, Bratenahl, or Indianapolis; remote/telework permitted with COR approval, subject to security restrictions.


• Must be available outside standard core hours (nights/weekends) when mission dictates, as coordinated by the Technical Lead and COR.


• All work performed exclusively on Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE); personally-owned devices may not be used for government information or systems access.


• Contractor personnel must report to DFAS-IN during the first week of contract performance for onboarding and CAC issuance.


• Foreign travel requires DFAS Form 9133 submission not less than 30 days prior to departure