As a COBOL Software Engineer, you will help maintain and modernise the platforms that deliver over £150bn in payments every year. You will work within delivery teams to lead refactoring across major COBOL applications, modernising how they operate today and preparing them for the strategic technology shift underway. This role has a strong leadership and development focus. You will coach and mentor junior engineers, support those progressing through our Engineering Academy, and help grow the next generation of COBOL talent. You may also provide 3rd-line support when needed, resolving complex technical issues that require deep system understanding. The role offers challenge and variety, with opportunities to lead technical improvements to legacy codebases, plan infrastructure maintenance, resolve live service challenges, and influence modernisation programmes.
- Strong, hands‑on experience with Microfocus COBOL, including 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 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.
EEO notice: Disability Confident employer. We will consider applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
As a COBOL Software Engineer, you will 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 with Microfocus COBOL are central to 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 will guide and develop a team of engineers, drive technical direction across multiple applications and lead the modernisation of significant legacy services in government. Over time, you will help transition core systems into Java‑based services, gaining exposure to new technologies. We’d love you to have you join us.
Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model – spend time at home and time collaborating in a hub.
Pay: Up to £59,813. This includes a £46,547 salary plus a Digital Allowance of up to £13,266, subject to interview assessment.
Pension: Civil service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%, up to £13,485 per year.
Holidays: 24 days rising to 26 days after one year, with up to 3 extra flexi days per month plus public holidays. Benefits include:
- 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 and activities
- Interest‑free loans for bike or season ticket
- Sports and social activities
- Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities
We have an award‑winning environment and culture: Diversity Employer recognitions and awards across 2024–2025.
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