Fast Facts

OCLC is seeking a Software Search Engineer to enhance search capabilities within WorldCat and other products, involving design, development, and optimization of search systems for global library discovery.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include analyzing, designing, developing, and testing software with a focus on search technologies, translating requirements into scalable code, and leading the implementation of new features.

Skills: Required skills include proficiency in Java, Scala, and Python, as well as knowledge in search technologies, Big Data technologies, and strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include experience with AI coding tools, Graph Search, Large Language Models, NoSQL and relational databases, and containerization technologies.

Location: Corporate Office - Dublin, United States of America

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $90,000 - $130,000.

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 Software Search Engineer to join our dynamic development team focused on enhancing search capabilities within WorldCat and other OCLC products. This role involves high-level design, development, and optimization of search systems, contributing directly to the core functionality that powers global library discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, develop, and test software programs and systems with a focus on search technologies.
• Translate business and technical requirements into scalable, maintainable code using industry-standard programming practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand product requirements and delegate development tasks effectively.
• Lead the design and implementation of new features and enhancements across multiple system modules.
• Conduct and participate in unit, system, performance, and acceptance testing; recommend and implement improvements.
• Champion innovation in search technologies, staying current with emerging trends and tools.
• Drive the development and interpretation of technical requirements and specifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional software development experience.
• Proficiency in Java, Scala, and Python.
• Expert-level knowledge in:
• Java, Object-Oriented Design 
• Spring Boot, Spring Framework, Gradle
• RESTful web services
• Search technologies including full-text search and indexing (e.g., Lucene, Solr)
• Large-scale search systems and search architecture
• Experience with Big Data technologies and the Hadoop ecosystem.
• Solid understanding of Linux/Unix environments and database design principles.
• Strong communication skills—oral, written, and presentation.
• Creative problem-solving and innovative thinking.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Highly Desired Skills

• Experience with AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude Desktop).
• Familiarity with Graph Search and vector databases.
• Hands-on experience developing applications using Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Monitoring and observability tools such as New Relic.
• Experience with NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Cassandra, DynamoDB).
• Proficiency in relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL).
• Knowledge of containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Expertise in performance optimization and stress testing.