diff --git a/scripts/submit_job.py b/scripts/submit_job.py
index 656bb66..ac81d1e 100755
--- a/scripts/submit_job.py
+++ b/scripts/submit_job.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import sys
 import subprocess
 import tempfile
 import os
+import time
 
 # Force temp files into a folder inside your project (fully owned by you)
 custom_temp_dir = os.path.join(os.getcwd(), "tmp")
@@ -170,5 +171,10 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
     if upload_source(local_file, dataset_name, member_name, mvshost) != 0:
         sys.exit(1)
 
+    # Wait between submissions to avoid overwhelming the card reader
+    print("Waiting 3 seconds before submitting compile job...")
+    time.sleep(3)
+
     # Step 2: Submit JCL job
-    submit_jcl(job, mvshost)
\ No newline at end of file
+    exit_code = submit_jcl(job, mvshost)
+    sys.exit(exit_code)
\ No newline at end of file