Lead Developer

Key Responsibilities

System Discovery & Code Forensics: Reverse-engineer homegrown RPG/CL programs and DB2 tables to map business rules, data structures, and custom workflows.

WebSphere & EDI Integration Management: Maintain, configure, and expand IBM WebSphere middleware (WebSphere MQ / Integration Bus / B2B) to manage automated EDI communications with shipping lines, customs agencies, rail providers, and trucking fleets.

EDI Data Mapping & Translation: Develop and update maps for core maritime/logistics EDI transaction sets including 210 (Invoice), 214 (Transportation Status), 301 (Booking Confirmation), 310 (Ocean Manifest), 322 (Terminal Operations), and 850/856 (PO / ASN).

Core Maintenance & Support: Serve as the primary developer responsible for system stability, troubleshooting failed EDI transmissions/translations, resolving spool/batch job issues, and applying emergency bug fixes.

System Modernization & APIs: Design and implement REST/SOAP APIs, WebSphere messaging channels, and database connectors to seamlessly link the AS400 core with modern Web/SaaS port operations tools.

Documentation & Knowledge Transfer: Document undocumented business logic, system architecture, database schemas, and WebSphere routing paths to eliminate single-point-of-failure risks.

Qualifications & Technical Skills

Required:

IBM i / AS400 Proficiency: 5+ years of hands-on experience in IBM i (AS400/iSeries) development environments.

RPG Mastery: Deep proficiency in RPG IV, RPGLE, Free-Format RPG, and legacy RPG III / RPG II code.

WebSphere & Middleware: Hands-on experience configuring and integrating IBM WebSphere (MQ, Integration BApp Connect, B2B Integrator, or Partner Gateway) with IBM i applications.

System Tools: Expertise in CL/CLLE (Control Language), DB2 for i, SQL/400, and Embedded SQL.

EDI Protocols: Strong working knowledge of ANSI X12 and EDIFACT standards, translation mapping, and transport protocols (AS2, FTP/SFTP, WebSphere MQ).

Legacy Code Forensics: Proven ability to dive into complex, undocumented, homegrown legacy applications and reverse-engineer existing business logic.

Preferred but not necessary:

Domain Experience: Prior background in port operations, container terminals, freight forwarding, warehousing, or transportation management systems (TMS).

Modernization Background: Experience with web technologies (PHP, Python, Node.js) or IBM i web-enablement tools (e.g., Profound UI, Fresche/Looksoftware).

Key Traits for Success

Self-Driven Investigator: You enjoy the challenge of solving puzzles tracing job streams, analyzing spool queues, and deciphering legacy logic without needing step-by-step documentation.

Ownership Mindset: You take pride in keeping high-volume, mission-critical logistics systems and EDI pipelines running smoothly around the clock.

Bridge Builder: You can bridge the gap between deep technical AS400/WebSphere architecture and the non-technical needs of operational port managers.