PL/I Experts in Germany
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Meet FRATCH Experts in Germany, who have recently used PL/I
Collin K.
Last position:
Software Architect / Fullstack Developer at Equity Bytes
Built an international e-commerce platform for a multi-vendor marketplace for digital assets from scratch. Designed and operated cloud native architectures at enterprise scale.
- Designed and operated a highly scalable microservice and serverless architecture
- Built the complete cloud infrastructure with Terraform + AWS CDK in AWS
- Provisioned ECS/EKS clusters (Fargate), Application Load Balancers (reverse proxy), and Lambda functions
- Observability & tracing with CloudWatch, DataDog, Prometheus, and Grafana
- End-to-end setup with DataDog (formerly AWS CloudWatch), Prometheus, and custom Grafana dashboards
- Integration of advanced metrics (including ORM mapper) and distributed tracing with Jaeger
- Robust backup and disaster recovery strategies
- RDS Postgres backups and hourly snapshots
- Read-only, asynchronously synchronized replicas with automated master failover in emergencies
- Minute-level rollback capability through versioned Docker images on ECS and Git-based CI/CD pipelines
- Created CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions for automated multi-stage deployments (Dev, Testing, Prod)
- Integrated Stripe for international payment processing
- Built a marketplace payment system with multiple parties and payout routines
- Used Algolia for high-performance real-time search of digital assets on the platform
- Federation of services with GraphQL and Hasura
- Later migration to GraphQL Mesh
- Test Driven Development (TDD) - unit, integration, and E2E testing with Jest, Vitest, and Playwright
- Used Next.js / React for modern frontend applications in the nx monorepo
- Enterprise security architecture & access control
- Integration of JWT tokens with Auth0, OAuth, OIDC, IP guards, BOLA protection, and secret vaults
- Authorization concepts with RBAC, ABAC, and native Postgres Row-Level Security (RLS)
- Built internal microfrontends with Retool for fast prototyping and operational business processes
Technologies: ABAC, AWS CDK, AWS CloudWatch, AWS ECS, AWS EKS, AWS Fargate, AWS RDS, AWS S3, Algolia, Auth0, DataDog, Docker, GitHub Actions, Grafana, GraphQL, GraphQL Mesh, Hasura, JWT, Jaeger, Java, JavaScript, Jest, Kotlin, Kubernetes, Monorepo, Next.js, OIDC, Playwright, Postgres, Postgres RLS, Prometheus, RBAC, Redis, Retool, Serverless, Stripe, Terraform, TypeScript, Vitest
Hans-Dieter G.
Last position:
Training as an AI Expert
I continuously expand my expertise in AI and automation. I work with ChatGPT, OpenAI, Manus, Gemini, MS CoPilot, APIs, LangChain, Hugging Face, Manus, TensorFlow, and Auto-GPT, as well as Python-based ML frameworks and MLOps tools, to intelligently transform traditional software development, analysis, and testing processes.
Birgit S.
Last position:
Business Analyst / Requirements Engineer / Tester at BMW
Topics:
- Further development of the CRM system NKAM and technical separation of “direct” and “indirect” sales
- Redesign of the discount management area and outsourcing to another system.
- Designing numerous improvements on the wholesale side to reduce manual effort down to the level of user stories.
Jürgen S.
Last position:
IT – Consultant / Analyst / Developer / Tester / Support at Automotive manufacturer
- Analysis, software development/adaptation and testing of various transaction and batch objects
- Execution of specialist integration and regression tests on TEST and QA platforms under z/OS for subsequent implementation in production
- Hardware / software / tools: IBM-MVS, z/OS, JES2/3, TSO-ISPF, JCL, DB2, SQL, SQL/PL, QMF, QMF for Work-Stations, SPUFI, FileAid, IMS-DB/DC, MFS, XPEDITER, COBOL, REXX, Windows-10, MS-Office-365, MS-Teams, batch job management via OPC, BETA92, RVS, BVB, ABL, DIALOGplus, PROBA, PRODPR (VW internal systems), JIRA, CONFLUENCE
Knud W.
Last position:
Lead Programmer, Architect and Deputy Product Owner at Bundesagentur für Arbeit
- Lead programmer, architect and deputy product owner
- Completed transition from zPDV to STEP
- Ensured quality of C++ and Perl sources through automated and manual checks
- Supported resolution of incidents and errors in testing
- Implemented batch for supplementary assignment of payment run numbers
- Implemented batch for distribution of SGB 2 information to the central payment unit
- Supported replacement of Solaris with Linux
- Upgraded gcc from 7.4 to 9.3
- Programmatically generated Makefiles from Borland projects for builds
- Extended funding data with new attribute “Kennzeichen Fahrtkosten Praktikum”
- Programmatically generated XSD and WSDL files from IDL definitions
- Represented the product owner when needed
- Implemented batch for one-time payment processing
- Developed generator for Liquibase files
- Implemented and maintained regular anonymization of production data
- Supported migration from SLES 12 to SLES 15
- Supported introduction of mutual TLS
- Implemented batch for sending deletion impulses to EDA BE
- Organized script directory structure
- Investigated potential introduction of String-Latin and implemented minimal solution
- Remediated security findings identified by CheckMarx
- Supported PAP recalculations and general change notices
- Converted ERP interfaces from SOAP to REST
- Planned technical and business topics such as register modernization, cash register security, training costs, four-eyes principle
Alex V.
Last position:
CTO, Co-Founder, Cryptography(incl. Post-Quantum Cryptography) and AI Security Expertise at AISLEIPNIR
- Integration of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms into high level protocols.
- Security of implementations of Post-Quantum Cryptography algorithms.
- Transition to Post-Quantum public key infrastructures.
- Security evaluations of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) primitives.
- Drone Cybersecurity
- Satellite Cybersecurity
- AI Security
Matthias O.
Last position:
IT Project Manager at IT service provider
Implementation of anti-money laundering requirements under AMLA/KYC for an international major bank in Munich
Services provided:
- Clarification of the assignment and definition of the work package structure for the AMLA/KYC implementation project
- AI-supported project planning using a custom AI workflow for project management
- Preparation of the project management plan
- Resource and capacity planning
- Development of collaboration structures between the IT service provider and the bank client
- Agreement on responsibilities (RACI matrix)
- Management of 5 project members (core team)
- Project control, project monitoring, project reporting
- Communications management
- Escalation management
- Stakeholder management (11 stakeholders)
- Permanent member of the Steering Committee
- Project representation internally and externally
- Project reporting and management of decision-making bodies
- Project volume: 506 person-days (development effort)
- Risk management
- Quality management
- Organization and delivery of workshops
Methods: PMI PMBOK, EVM, GWG, DORA, BAIT, KANBAN, AML, AMLR, AMLA, GWG, KYC
IT environment: JIRA, Confluence, Sharepoint, Kantata Kimble, AI LLM Copilot, ChatGPT, anti-money laundering systems (custom-developed and SMARAGD)
Bernd H.
Last position:
Deutsche Bahn
- Migration of the platform to X systems
- Analysis of changes related to TCP/IP communication
- Handling error tickets
- Installation and configuration of Xypro Security 1 attack detection
- Setting up an SNMP.v3 connection to send alert traps to Netcool (Tivoli)
- Installation and configuration of the RemoteAnalyst software
- Migration of master data and timetable data
- Setting up and monitoring MQ pipelines to external partners
Bernhard S.
Last position:
Agile Business Analyst and Requirements Engineer at Deutsche Post DHL
- Agile project "PEPSi annual vacation planning MVP Lite" (digitalization project).
- Definition of state transitions for the JUP Lite functionality.
- Creation of user stories for login/logout and registration.
- Quality assurance of the business-side concept.
- Preliminary analysis for the transformation from the old PersPlan to DigiPEP.
- Tools used: Signavio, MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Jira, Confluence, Mural, Miro, Conceptboard, MS Teams, Mattermost.
Hartmut U.
Last position:
Freelancer at Freelancer
Projects at Raiffeisen Software Group (RSG), Linz from 2022-01-01 to 2025-03-31: application development on mainframe with PL/1, DB2, JCL, Tabex; development environment with idz, Jira, Dimensions, Confluence; execution of projects in banking reporting (own funds, capital requirements, large exposures, leverage ratio)
Project at Airbus, Hamburg from 2020-01-01 to 2022-12-31: mainframe system enhancements (TAKSY) in agile environment (Scrum, SAFe); business analysis; technical design; implementation (PL/1, DB2, IMS, JCL); test management; deployment
Rainer D.
Last position:
Enterprise Architecture Management / Backend Software Developer at Polizei Hamburg
- Several projects in a police context
- Model and document police procedures/projects with Archimate (as-is/to-be) in the context of P20 (BKA)
- Create software architectures with microservices
- POC development with Springboot/Docker/Kubernetes
- Project size: 10 people
- Enterprise architecture management with Togaf and Archimate
- Backend software development Springboot
- DevOps with Kubernetes
- Implemented using: Java 17/21, Springboot 3, P20 architecture, Togaf, Archimate
Alex O.
Last position:
Contractor at Telefonica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG
- Data-analysis, Preparation, gathering and coordination of business requirements for retrieval of monthly- and long term (CLV – relevant) cost- and revenue-components per contract for a customer–base–grouping project (HUB–Project) for B2C-Postpaid-Controlling
- Concept and Implementation of cost- and revenue-KPIs calculation and corresponding CLV–reports (Oracle, Perl, SVN, MS SQL Server, MS Power BI, Serviceware Performance Analytics)
- Operational support of the HUB-Project – various ad-hoc reports, deployments, job-scheduling etc. (Oracle, SVN, BICSuite–Scheduler, DWSODA etc.)
- Analysis, implementation, retrieval and reporting of various physical and financial KPIs for B2P-Prepaid Business on an existing data-mart (Oracle, Perl)
Carsten B.
Last position:
Test engineer at DAT (Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH)
- Conducted manual testing for claims creation, forwarding, repair cost calculation, parts selection and logging on the Gold.dat.de platform
- Automated key processes using ASKUI, including login, claim creation, calculations and parts selection
- Simulated user interactions (e.g., drag-and-drop) with ASKUI
- Integrated automated tests into CI/CD pipelines for early error detection
- Executed over 50 test scenarios and identified critical defects
- Reduced test time by 50% through automation
- Improved platform quality and user experience
Jörg S.
Last position:
Software Developer at Commerzbank
- Created interface programs between mainframe and distributed online screens
- Modified and created batch programs for daily data processing
- Provided advice on program setup, database structures, and programming tools
- Performed error analysis for the overall project
- System: OS/390, ISPF, TSO, IMS DB, IMS Connect, COBOL, DB2, SQL, SPUFI, IBM debug tool, Confluence, Jira, Eclipse, Rational Developer for Z Systems (RDZ)
Holger B.
Last position:
Business Analyst at BLS
- The AVANZA project provides the deployment and procurement of a modern, reliable system for efficient access and sales and supports smooth operations at the Lötschberg & Simplon car shuttle.
- Operations are sustainably secured and the further development of the car shuttle business model is supported.
- Developed a study with an evaluation of possible solution options.
- Supported the decision on options, evaluated the RFI, prepared procurement, concept created based on the chosen option.
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using PL/I
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
36 years
Position duration
2.6 years
Positions per freelancer
20
Top business areas
Information Technology, Quality Assurance, Product Development
Top industries
Information Technology, Banking and Finance, Insurance
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Project Management, Quality Assurance
Bachelor's degree or higher
70%
Master's degree or higher
50%
Doctorate
10%
Certifications per freelancer
2
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
97%
Based on our profile pool as of 29 Oct 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of experts in this technology in Germany are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows the share of experts charging within that range.
Average rates of experts in Germany using PL/I
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 29 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
PL/I experts industry focus
See which industries our matched freelancers work in most often — every figure is calculated live from the freelancers on FRATCH.
- Information Technology (89%)
- Banking and Finance (83%)
- Insurance (69%)
- Automotive (46%)
- Manufacturing (46%)
- Government and Administration (46%)
- Transportation (37%)
- Professional Services (34%)
Please note that freelancers can work across multiple industries, so percentages overlap.
About the technology
Core capabilities of Programming Language One
PL/I, short for Programming Language One, remains a backbone of high-throughput transactional computing. Developed by IBM, the language combines scientific calculation power with commercial data processing. It handles large-scale batch processing, strict mathematical precision, and high-volume transaction workloads reliably.
Mainframe ecosystems and enterprise environments
Most enterprise implementations operate within IBM z/OS environments. Specialists work extensively with subsystem architectures and data managers to deliver predictable processing:
- Integration with CICS transaction monitors for online processing
- Batch execution through JCL and IBM z/OS subsystems
- Relational database access through embedded SQL in Db2
- Legacy file structures relying on VSAM and IMS databases
Industrial adoption across Germany
Organizations across Germany rely heavily on the language to operate foundational business systems. Core banking platforms, clearing houses, and insurance carriers execute overnight settlement runs and policy calculations in the runtime. Manufacturing giants and public sector institutions also maintain large procedural codebases that demand uninterrupted operational availability.
Modernization and migration initiatives
Modern enterprise initiatives rarely replace these environments overnight. Instead, companies focus on incremental renovation. Specialists establish REST APIs around existing subroutines, extract embedded business rules for modern platforms, and automate compilation pipelines using Git and modern delivery tools on z/OS.
Hallmarks of experienced professionals
A proficient specialist understands more than syntax. They navigate complex macro preprocessors, debug raw memory structures, and trace execution flows across multithreaded jobs. They also read generated assembly, isolate storage leaks, and optimize batch execution windows without jeopardizing data integrity.
Why enterprises engage external specialists
In-house mainframe expertise is shrinking as internal teams retire. Companies bring in external professionals to bridge critical knowledge gaps, implement regulatory compliance mandates, and document undocumented systems before attempting architectural migrations or core service integrations.
Frequently asked questions
Key details about PL/I, drawn from the questions we get asked most.
Enterprises run PL/I primarily on IBM mainframes handling massive operational volume. Financial institutions, public administrations, and major insurers use it for core account management, policy validation, and batch settlement cycles where absolute reliability is mandatory.
While both run enterprise backbones, Programming Language One was designed to blend the commercial file handling of COBOL with the block structure and mathematical capabilities of Fortran. It supports pointers, complex data structures, and recursion, demanding rigorous memory management skills.
Beyond IBM Enterprise PL/I, an expert must navigate TSO/ISPF, write and troubleshoot JCL, and query data using Db2 SQL. Hands-on familiarity with transaction monitors like CICS and diagnostic tools such as IBM Debug Tool or Fault Analyzer is equally critical.
Yes. Modern implementations of PL/I can produce and consume JSON, call external web services, and expose subroutines via z/OS Connect. Specialists frequently build these hybrid connections to let modern microservices securely query core enterprise records.
Strong professionals validate changes through automated regression testing, static code analysis, and precise comparison of batch output files. For legacy PL/I modules, verifying pointer arithmetic and dynamic storage allocation prevents hidden system degradation.
Modernizing a system requires senior specialists who understand decades of architectural evolution. Working with legacy PL/I calls for deep familiarity with compiler flags, macro facilities, and data alignment to avoid breaking undocumented business logic.
Most projects involving PL/I in Germany operate through secure remote connections via enterprise VPNs. However, financial and public sector institutions occasionally require periodic on-site visits for onboarding, audit reviews, or high-security credential handovers.
Many large enterprises in Germany document their core legacy processes in German. While technical collaboration can occur in English, a PL/I professional who reads German can interpret historical system documentation and variable naming conventions far more efficiently.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Germany who have used PL/I in their recent projects is 100 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 803 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Germany who have used PL/I in their recent projects, 70% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 50% hold at least a Master's degree, and 10% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Germany who have used PL/I in their recent projects have 36 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.6 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Germany who have used PL/I in their recent projects are German (100%), English (97%), and French (23%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Germany who have used PL/I in their recent projects are Information Technology (89%), Banking and Finance (83%), and Insurance (69%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Germany who have used PL/I in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Quality Assurance (86%), and Product Development (71%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used PL/I
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg Request a free demo
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
