Okay, I've searched for Mainframe Developer roles in Chicago, focusing on COBOL and DB2, requiring over 5 years of experience, and available as contract positions. I have found 34 relevant positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Mainframe Developer role at Keyphase Inc. is fundamentally about enhancing and maintaining mainframe applications, which are crucial for businesses reliant on legacy systems. This position requires the candidate to integrate those systems with more modern, distributed architectures, underlining the importance of adaptability and technical proficiency. The responsibilities outlined necessitate not only a strong command of COBOL, JCL, and DB2, but also a nuanced understanding of integrating these with Linux systems, making proficiency in cross-platform collaboration essential. Candidates will face challenges such as optimizing resource-intensive applications and troubleshooting production issues that may arise unexpectedly, requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Success in this role looks like the seamless operation and enhancement of vital applications that support the company’s IT service continuum, as well as effective collaboration with multiple teams to ensure that mainframe solutions align with overall organizational objectives.

Company Analysis:

Keyphase Inc. operates within the IT services industry, focused on providing comprehensive solutions that alleviate the complexities of managing IT for businesses. As an organization geared towards enhancing operational efficiency, their positioning suggests a commitment to innovation and customer-centric services. The company likely values problem-solving, technical expertise, and effective communication in its employees to maintain a fast-paced and agile work environment. Positioned in a critical intersection of legacy and modern technology, the Mainframe Developer serves as a bridge between traditional and contemporary IT ecosystems. The role is vital not only for maintaining existing systems but also for ensuring scalable integration as the company grows. This may involve visibility with leadership and cross-functional teams, indicating that collaboration and strategic insight will be highly valued. Overall, the candidate must align with Keyphase's mission of making IT management simpler for clients while embracing a culture that encourages continuous improvement and innovation.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Describe a time when you encountered a significant issue while working on a mainframe application. How did you approach resolving it?
• Can you give an example of a project where you had to optimize JCL scripts? What considerations did you keep in mind?
• Tell me about a time when you collaborated with a cross-functional team. What role did you play, and what was the outcome?
• How have you handled tight deadlines while working on maintenance or enhancement of critical IT systems?
• What strategies do you use for troubleshooting production issues in a mainframe environment?
• How would you ensure that your mainframe applications seamlessly integrate with Linux systems?
• Imagine you are introduced to a legacy system that has minimal documentation. How would you go about understanding the existing setup?
• Suppose a project requires you to migrate some mainframe functions to a distributed system. What steps would you take?
• Why do you want to work at Keyphase Inc., and what excites you about our approach to IT services?
• How do your past experiences align with Keyphase's mission of simplifying IT management for businesses?
• What changes or improvements would you suggest for managing mainframe applications in a modern IT environment?
• Are there any current trends in IT services that you believe will impact the work of a Mainframe Developer? What are they?
• What questions do you have regarding the integration process of mainframe applications with other IT systems?
• How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects or troubleshooting multiple issues at once?