Senior Software Engineer (RPG)

Job Summary - Senior Software Engineer(RPG) :

The Senior RPG Software Engineer is a highly skilled and experienced professional responsible for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of business applications primarily using the RPG programming language (including ILE RPG, Free-Format RPG). This role involves working on complex projects, providing technical leadership, mentoring junior developers, and ensuring the stability and performance of critical business systems running on IBM i (AS/400) platforms. The Senior RPG Software Engineer will collaborate closely with business analysts, system administrators, and other IT team members to deliver high-quality, efficient, and reliable software solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Software Development:
• Design, code, test, and debug complex RPG programs and modules according to specifications and business requirements.
• Develop and maintain applications utilizing various RPG dialects (ILE RPG, Free-Format RPG, RPG IV).
• Work with embedded SQL to interact with DB2 databases on the IBM i platform.
• Develop and maintain user interfaces using DDS, SDA, or other relevant IBM i technologies.
• Implement and maintain APIs and web services for system integration (e.g., using Integrated Web Services Server (IWS)).
• Develop and maintain batch processing jobs and automation scripts.
• Ensure code quality, performance, and adherence to coding standards and best practices.
• System Maintenance and Support:
• Troubleshoot and resolve application issues and bugs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Perform system analysis and identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Apply PTFs (Program Temporary Fixes) and perform system upgrades as needed.
• Monitor system performance and proactively address potential issues.
• Provide on-call support as required.
• Technical Leadership and Mentorship:
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior RPG developers.
• Participate in code reviews and ensure adherence to development standards.
• Assist in the estimation of development effort and timelines.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of best practices and coding standards.
• Potentially lead small development projects or modules.
• Collaboration and Communication:
• Work closely with business analysts to understand requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Collaborate with system administrators, database administrators, and other IT team members.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding project status, issues, and resolutions.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to project planning.
• Documentation:
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including program specifications, design documents, and user manuals.
• Document code changes and system configurations.
• Continuous Learning:
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in RPG programming, IBM i technologies, and related industry trends.
• Participate in training and professional development activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in RPG programming on the IBM i (AS/400) platform.
• Strong proficiency in multiple RPG dialects (ILE RPG, Free-Format RPG, RPG IV).
• Solid understanding of DB2 database and SQL.
• Experience with IBM i development tools and utilities (e.g., PDM, SEU, RDi).
• Experience with DDS for screen and report design.
• Familiarity with control language (CL) programming.
• Experience with system analysis, design, and implementation methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Good to have skills :

• Experience with modern IBM i technologies such as Integrated Web Services Server (IWS), Node.js on i, Python on i.
• Experience with modernization tools and techniques for IBM i applications.
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Knowledge of other programming languages (e.g., Java, PHP).
• Experience in a specific industry (e.g., manufacturing, finance, retail).
• IBM certifications related to RPG and IBM i development.