Senior Software Engineer

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 Senior Software Engineer, you will be responsible for independently designing, developing, and testing complex software programs and systems. You will collaborate with team members to solve problems, provide technical guidance, and ensure the delivery of high-quality software solutions. You will also collaborate with product managers, designers, and other engineers to define, refine, and implement features and enhancements.

Responsibilities: Own vertical slices end-to-end—from understanding requirements through design, implementation, test, and release—in complex backend systems with substantial business logic and legacy constraints.

Modernize and refactor in place: improve structure, clarity, and maintainability without requiring a big-bang rewrite

• ship incrementally with attention to production risk. Deliver features and fixes that meet product and partner needs while respecting existing architecture, data contracts, and operational dependencies. Integrate with operational partners on shared data and batch workflows: clarify ownership boundaries, implement behavior changes in application code, and support handoffs that keep production runs reliable. Work primarily in Java production services
• contribute to Python and bash scripting paths where application logic touches script-heavy batch or ingest workflows. Collaborate asynchronously with clear written design notes, review feedback, and stakeholder updates
• work independently on assigned slices while staying aligned with team priorities. Participate in code and design review
• mentor peers informally through example and constructive feedback. Leverage and explore AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor, code generation, smart testing) where appropriate
• help assess what actually improves delivery on legacy codebases. Maintain awareness of security, data governance, and quality standards in an enterprise context.

Qualifications: Demonstrated professional strength in

Java: shipping, maintaining, and evolving production backend code—not occasional or peripheral use. 5+ years of software development experience, or equivalent depth shown through ownership of complex production systems (we flex on years when the work speaks for itself). Meaningful experience in complex domain or enterprise backend systems—business rules, evolving requirements, and long-lived codebases—not only greenfield services. Comfort reading and working with structured data formats, including XML schemas and validation rules common in metadata and authority workflows. Strong problem-solving and debugging in production: tracing issues across services, scripts, and integration points. Working style Demonstrated ability to own slices independently, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and drive clarity when requirements are incomplete or ambiguous.

Effective async communication: written design rationale, review comments, and status updates that keep distributed collaborators aligned. Temperament for incremental improvement in legacy systems—patience for context-gathering, careful change, and operational follow-through.

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. 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 hr@oclc.org