Job description

Job Title: Lead IBM i / AS400 Developer (WebSphere EDI) Location: Newark, NJ (On-site) Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff — No C2C or 1099) About the Opportunity ZipStaff is seeking a Lead IBM i / AS400 Developer to take operational ownership of a proprietary port and logistics platform at a major port operations and marine terminal organization. The core system runs on IBM i and has grown alongside IBM WebSphere to support real-time container tracking, terminal yard management, dispatch, and automated B2B exchange. You will reverse-engineer the homegrown codebase, map WebSphere integration channels, become the primary SME, and then lead ongoing IBM i development, EDI modernization, performance work, and Tier-3 support. What You’ll Do: • Reverse-engineer homegrown RPG / CL programs and DB2 tables to map business rules, data structures, and custom workflows. • Maintain, configure, and expand IBM WebSphere middleware (MQ, Integration Bus / App Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway) for automated EDI with shipping lines, customs, rail, and trucking. • Develop and update maps for maritime / logistics EDI sets, including 210, 214, 301, 310, 322, and 850 / 856. • Own system stability: failed EDI transmissions, spool / batch jobs, and emergency fixes. • Design REST / SOAP APIs, WebSphere messaging channels, and database connectors from the IBM i core to modern web / SaaS port tools. • Document undocumented business logic, architecture, DB2 schemas, and WebSphere routing so the platform is not a single point of failure. • Lead future IBM i development and act as the primary technical owner after onboarding. Required Qualifications: • 5+ years of hands-on IBM i (AS400 / iSeries) development. • Deep proficiency in RPG IV, RPGLE, free-format RPG, and legacy RPG III / RPG II. • Hands-on IBM WebSphere integration with IBM i (MQ, Integration Bus / App Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway). • Strong CL / CLLE, DB2 for i, SQL/400, and embedded SQL. • Working knowledge of ANSI X12 and EDIFACT, translation mapping, and transport (AS2, FTP / SFTP, WebSphere MQ). • Proven ability to reverse-engineer complex, undocumented homegrown applications. • Ability to work on-site in Newark, NJ. • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future. Preferred Qualifications: • Port operations, container terminals, freight forwarding, warehousing, or TMS. • IBM i web enablement (Profound UI, Fresche / LANSA) or adjacent web skills (PHP, Python, Node.js). About ZipStaff ZipStaff partners with leading organizations to connect skilled technology professionals with high-impact contract opportunities. We focus on quality matches, clear communication, and long-term success for candidates and clients. To apply, submit your resume highlighting IBM i / AS400, RPG, WebSphere, and EDI mapping experience. Pay: $42 - $45 per hour

Requirements

Must-haves

Job Title: Lead IBM i / AS400 Developer (WebSphere EDI)
Location: Newark, NJ (On-site)
Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff — No C2C or 1099)
Reverse-engineer homegrown RPG / CL programs and DB2 tables to map business rules, data structures, and custom workflows.
Maintain, configure, and expand IBM WebSphere middleware (MQ, Integration Bus / App Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway) for automated EDI with shipping lines, customs, rail, and trucking.
Develop and update maps for maritime / logistics EDI sets, including 210, 214, 301, 310, 322, and 850 / 856.
Own system stability: failed EDI transmissions, spool / batch jobs, and emergency fixes.
Design REST / SOAP APIs, WebSphere messaging channels, and database connectors from the IBM i core to modern web / SaaS port tools.
Document undocumented business logic, architecture, DB2 schemas, and WebSphere routing so the platform is not a single point of failure.
Lead future IBM i development and act as the primary technical owner after onboarding.
5+ years of hands-on IBM i (AS400 / iSeries) development.
Deep proficiency in RPG IV, RPGLE, free-format RPG, and legacy RPG III / RPG II.
Hands-on IBM WebSphere integration with IBM i (MQ, Integration Bus / App Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway).
Strong CL / CLLE, DB2 for i, SQL/400, and embedded SQL.
Working knowledge of ANSI X12 and EDIFACT, translation mapping, and transport (AS2, FTP / SFTP, WebSphere MQ).
Proven ability to reverse-engineer complex, undocumented homegrown applications.
Ability to work on-site in Newark, NJ.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice-to-haves

Port operations, container terminals, freight forwarding, warehousing, or TMS.
IBM i web enablement (Profound UI, Fresche / LANSA) or adjacent web skills (PHP, Python, Node.js).

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

restsqlpythonnode.js

Platform: betterteam
Effort: medium