Lead 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: OCLC is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to join the EZproxy team and help shape the future of one of the library industry's widely used access management platforms. This role will lead the technical design and development of EZproxy NextGen, driving the modernization of a legacy C-based platform into a scalable, secure, and modern access management solution serving over 6,000 libraries worldwide. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, modernizing mature systems, and defining long-term architecture while working closely with Product, Security, Operations, and Engineering teams Responsibilities: Utilize industry-standard programming techniques to translate requirements and architectural designs into code, with a strong emphasis on Java and modern application development practices. Lead the modernization of the EZproxy platform, transforming a legacy C-based application serving over 6,000 libraries into a scalable, secure, and modern access management solution. Evaluate and leverage AI-assisted development tools and emerging AI technologies to improve engineering productivity, accelerate platform modernization efforts, and identify opportunities to incorporate AI-driven capabilities into future EZproxy solutions Analyze and solve complex technical challenges in existing systems and identify opportunities for architectural, performance, and operational improvements. Design, develop, test, and deliver software components and services while maintaining high standards for quality, security, reliability, and maintainability. Assist in developing, refining, and interpreting business and technical requirements. Follow all OCLC ISO-9000 procedures and the SDLC, as they pertain to their work unit, and continually seek improvements to development procedures and engineering practices. Lead architectural reviews, technology evaluations, and long-term platform modernization planning activities. Analyze and implement third-party solutions for OCLC applications, understanding the impact, risks, and long-term maintainability of proposed solutions. Plan and participate in load, capacity, scalability, reliability, and performance analysis and testing. Participate in production support activities, troubleshooting complex application, infrastructure, and customer-impacting issues across the EZproxy platform. Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to software engineers through design reviews, code reviews, and knowledge sharing. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related discipline required. 8+ years of software development experience with significant experience in Java and enterprise application development. Strong ability to read, understand, debug, and develop software in C, with experience working on or modernizing legacy applications. Good understanding of networking concepts and protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, SSL/TLS, proxies, and authentication technologies. Experience with Object-Oriented Design, REST APIs, Spring Framework, JavaScript, React, and modern web application development. Experience with Linux (or UNIX), Windows, and relational databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or Oracle. Familiarity with unit testing, integration testing, performance testing, and CI/CD practices. Experience with cloud technologies, containerization, and modern software delivery practices preferred. Experience leveraging AI-assisted development tools and emerging AI technologies preferred. Excellent communication, leadership, problem-solving, and mentoring skills. Ability to balance hands-on development, architecture, operational support, and technical leadership responsibilities. 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