Principal 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 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…