Principal Software Engineer

OCLC; Dublin (OH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness center

Cafeteria subsidy

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Local tickets and memberships

Job summary

OCLC, a non-profit global technology company serving libraries, seeks a Principal Software Engineer to set the technical direction, mentor engineers, and drive complex distributed systems.

You will collaborate with leadership to define long-term strategy, lead architecture, and deliver high-quality software while embracing AI-enabled tools and modern development practices. The role offers hybrid work with on-site presence in Dublin, OH, and opportunities to influence global library technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in computer science or related field.
• 12+ years of professional software development experience delivering complex enterprise systems.
• Expert-level Java programming with experience in Spring, Hibernate, RESTful APIs, and web services.
• Experience building front-end apps with React and TypeScript.
• Strong PostgreSQL data modelling, querying, and performance tuning.
• Experience designing, building, and operating distributed systems and microservices in Linux/Unix environments.
• Proficiency with Git-based workflows (GitHub, Bitbucket) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with testing frameworks (JUnit, Mockito) and build tools (Gradle, Maven).
• Ability to assess complex technical problems, articulate trade-offs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical initiatives including AI tool integration.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical leader for Resource Sharing engineering initiatives delivering reliable, scalable software.
• Collaborate with Senior Architect to translate architecture into practical designs.
• Evaluate technical trade-offs, risks, and dependencies for complex initiatives.
• Lead development of distributed systems, microservices, APIs, integrations, and data platforms.
• Mentor and coach engineers to foster technical growth.
• Promote engineering quality, delivery standards, and security practices across teams.
• Drive collaborative technical discussions among engineering, product, and operations.
• Refine technical plans with product management and domain experts to align with customer needs.
• Research and adopt emerging technologies to improve software quality and capabilities.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate AI-enabled tools into the SDLC.

Skills

Java programming

Object-oriented design

Spring

Hibernate

RESTful APIs

Web services

React

TypeScript

PostgreSQL

Distributed systems

Linux/Unix

Git

CI/CD

JUnit

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related discipline

Tools

GitHub

Bitbucket

Gradle

Maven

JUnit

Mockito

Job description

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.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be a technical leader responsible for setting the technical direction of the organization. You will mentor senior engineers, drive innovation, and solve complex technical challenges. You will also collaborate with leadership to define the long‑term technical strategy and ensure the delivery of high‑quality software solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a technical leader for Resource Sharing engineering initiatives, supporting the delivery of reliable, scalable, and customer‑focused software solutions.
• Work closely with the Senior Architect to translate architectural direction into practical implementation plans and scalable designs.
• Evaluate technical trade‑offs, risks, dependencies, and operational considerations for complex initiatives.
• Lead and contribute to development efforts involving distributed systems, microservices, APIs, integrations, and data platforms that support resource‑sharing workflows.
• Mentor and coach engineers, supporting their technical growth and development.
• Promote engineering quality, delivery standards, maintainability, security, and operational excellence across teams.
• Foster collaborative technical discussions and effective decision‑making among engineering, product, and operational stakeholders.
• Partner with product management, engineering leadership, and domain experts to refine technical plans, inform product roadmaps, and align delivery priorities with customer and organizational needs.
• Research, assess, and recommend emerging technologies, tools, and development practices that improve engineering effectiveness, software quality, and product capabilities.
• Identify appropriate opportunities to incorporate AI‑enabled tools, frameworks, and practices into the software development lifecycle.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 12+ years of professional software development experience, including significant experience delivering complex enterprise software systems.
• Expert-level Java programming skills and extensive experience with object‑oriented design, design patterns, Spring-based applications, Hibernate, RESTful APIs, and web services.
• Experience developing front‑end applications using React and TypeScript.
• Strong experience with PostgreSQL, including data modelling, query optimization, performance tuning, and integration of data‑driven applications.
• Experience designing, building, and operating distributed systems and microservices in Linux/Unix environments.
• Proficiency with Git-based source‑control practices and collaborative development platforms such as Bitbucket and GitHub.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks such as JUnit and Mockito, build tools such as Gradle and Maven, and secure software development practices.
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex technical problems, communicate trade‑offs clearly, and collaborate with a Senior Architect and cross‑functional stakeholders to deliver practical, scalable solutions.
• Experience mentoring engineers, leading technical initiatives, and influencing engineering practices across teams.
• Experience integrating or evaluating AI tools, frameworks, and concepts within the software development lifecycle.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment. ADA/EAA: 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.

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.

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 [phone] or email at [e-mail]