Together we make breakthroughs possible. At OCLC, we build technology with a purpose: to connect libraries and make knowledge accessible worldwide, because we believe that what is known must be shared. Our teams work with complex global datasets, AI and machine learning, hybrid cloud solutions, and other technologies that connect people and organizations to the information they need. We value the power of unique perspectives and experiences to unlock innovation. At OCLC, your ideas matter, whether you have two years of experience or 20. You’ll learn, create, and problem-solve with technologists, product developers, librarians, researchers, marketing pros, and support teams around the world. Why join OCLC? OCLC is consistently recognized as a best place to work by several independent programs. We recognize and reward people and results with a comprehensive Total Rewards package. This means competitive compensation that reflects your unique contributions—performance, experience, and skills—along with exceptional benefits, including best-in-class health coverage, retirement plans with generous company contributions, and a commitment to your overall well-being. We know the best ideas don’t always happen at a desk. Take a walking meeting around our 100-acre campus or enjoy lunch on the patio. We’re committed to your success—both personally and professionally. Hybrid work environment: For many roles, three days a week on-site, with occasional additional days based on business needs. Free use of our on-site ﬁtness center, gym sports, group exercise classes, and game room Onsite catering and cafeteria subsidized by OCLC Health and wellness events Work environments with individual and team spaces and the latest technology tools Paid parental leave and adoption assistance Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility Company-subsidized pricing on local tickets and memberships Join us in transforming how people everywhere access information and be part of a mission-driven team that makes a global impact. The job details are as follows: As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be a technical leader responsible for setting the technical direction for Linked Data, graph-based knowledge representation, and related modernization efforts across the organization. You will partner closely with Architects and Product to define long-term technical strategy, drive adoption of graph/Linked Data standards, and mentor senior engineers — while remaining hands-on enough to guide real system design and implementation decisions. This role is expected to stay hands-on with actual coding as needed — contributing directly to project completion, building proof-of-concepts, and demonstrating technical direction through working code, not just through design documents. You are expected to drive and influence change across the enterprise, not just within a single team. Responsibilities Define and communicate the technical vision for Linked Data and graph-based systems across the organization. Develop modernization strategies and system design roadmaps that move metadata infrastructure toward graph-based, standards-based representation. Partner closely with Architects and Product to establish long-term technical direction — this partnership is critical to the role, not incidental to it. Influence engineering teams and drive adoption of architectural standards, including graph data modeling and Linked Data best practices. Write production code and build proof-of-concepts hands-on, particularly to unblock project delivery, validate new approaches, or demonstrate feasibility before broader team investment. Mentor and guide technical teams and senior engineers; this role is weighted toward leadership and influence rather than direct people management. Research and evaluate emerging technologies, with particular attention to AI-driven approaches to metadata, entity resolution, and knowledge graph construction. Act as a strong, visible collaborator — someone other engineers, Architects, and Product partners want to work with, not just defer to. Required Technical Background Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related discipline, or equivalent work experience. 12+ years of software development experience, with demonstrated experience operating at an Architect level or equivalent scope. Strong expertise in Java technologies. Hands-on experience with graph databases and graph data modeling/implementation. Working knowledge of RDF, N-Triples, and SPARQL — able to design, query, and reason about graph-based data structures, not just discuss them conceptually. Strong, practical experience leveraging AI technologies and AI-driven solutions in real engineering work (not just familiarity — genuine fluency). Deep understanding of: - System design and architecture, particularly for graph-based and Linked Data Systems - Modernization initiatives and enterprise technical roadmaps - Organizational technical strategy Proven ability to influence teams and drive technical decisions across multiple groups without direct management authority. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; comfort operating in ambiguous, not-yet-fully-defined technical territory (e.g., early-stage Linked Data strategy work). Experience with distributed systems, microservices architecture, and cloud platforms. Willingness and ability to be hands-on — writing code, building POCs, and directly contributing to delivery, not purely an advisory/architectural role. Strong understanding of software architecture and design patterns. Working Conditions: Normal office environment. ADA/EEA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be the principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties. Don't see a role that fits just yet? Send your resume to our Talent Acquisition Team for future opportunities! Who we are: We are a non-profit global technology company that develops innovative services for libraries. Together with member libraries, we connect people to the resources they need to learn and grow, and ultimately, to transform the world. We connect libraries to other libraries, making their work more efficient and effective. Our large-scale, high-performance cloud computing services enable libraries to share data, work, and resources to save money and better serve their communities. What we do: We are dedicated and passionate about libraries—and helping them change lives. Our goal is to provide innovative technologies for every library to help them meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital world. Our success depends on our ability to deliver new, high-quality features and stable, scalable solutions for libraries. Live our values: New ideas. Open dialog. Hard work. Recognition. Purpose. We offer a dynamic, fulfilling work environment that is productive, collaborative, innovative—and fun. We are consistently rated among the top employers within Central Ohio and across the IT landscape. There is a strong, team-based culture where everyone is appreciated and focused on common goals. You will make a difference. OCLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. If you are interested in applying for employment with OCLC and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources Department at +1-614-764-6000 or email at [email protected]

Principal Engineer.

more at oclc.

Senior Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer- eResources

Product Manager- WorldCat

similar roles.

Risk Engineer

Data Tech Lead

Lead Process Engineer

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Enterprise Information Architect I

Enterprise Information Architect I