RPG Developer (IBM AS/400 / IBM i)

Responsibilities - • Design, develop, test, and maintain RPG IV (ILE RPG / RPGLE) programs on the IBM AS/400 / IBM i platform. • Write and optimise CL and CLLE programs for job scheduling, automation, and system operations. • Develop and maintain complex DB2 for i database objects including physical and logical files, tables, views, and stored procedures using embedded SQL and SQL/400. • Analyse existing RPG programs and actively contribute to modernisation efforts — including migration from fixed-format to free-format RPG. • Integrate IBM i applications with external systems via REST/SOAP APIs, MQ Series, and file-based interfaces. • Participate in full SDLC activities: requirements analysis, technical design, development, unit testing, and deployment. • Conduct and participate in peer code reviews, ensuring adherence to coding standards and best practices. • Troubleshoot and resolve production defects in a timely and thorough manner, with clear root cause documentation. • Work collaboratively with onshore business analysts, QA teams, and project managers across time zones. • Contribute to technical documentation including program specifications, change logs, and operational runbooks. Stay current with IBM i platform developments and proactively identify opportunities to improve system performance and maintainability. Requirements • 3–8 years of active, hands-on development experience on the IBM AS/400 / iSeries / IBM i platform. • Strong proficiency in ILE RPG (RPGLE), including free-format RPG development. • Solid experience with CL / CLLE for batch processing, job scheduling, and system automation. • Proficient in DB2 for i including complex SQL queries, joins, stored procedures, and performance tuning. • Demonstrated experience integrating IBM i applications with modern systems or APIs. • Familiarity with IBM RDi (Rational Developer for i) or equivalent development tools. • Experience with source control and change management tools (e.g., Git, ALDON, Turnover, or ARCAD). • Strong debugging and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently investigate and resolve issues. • Good written and verbal English communication skills for effective collaboration with international teams. • Comfortable working independently in a remote setup with minimal supervision. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Hands-on experience with free-format RPG modernisation projects and a clear enthusiasm for evolving IBM i capabilities. • Exposure to open-source tooling on IBM i (e.g., Node.js, Python, PHP, or Git integration). • Experience with web service development and consumption within IBM i environments. • Familiarity with Agile/Scrum delivery methodologies. • Background in domains such as manufacturing, distribution, retail, or financial services. • Experience mentoring junior developers or leading small technical workstreams. IBM i or related professional certifications are a plus. Benefits • Fully remote engagement with flexible working arrangements. • Competitive compensation aligned with experience and skillset. • Exposure to complex, large-scale IBM i environments with genuine modernisation opportunities. • A collaborative international team environment with structured communication and clear expectations. • Opportunities to grow into senior developer, technical lead, or modernisation specialist roles. Long-term engagement potential for the right candidate