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Metadata Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Innova Solutions, Inc

Data Engineer- AI driven

Plano, TX · On-site

$60/hr

Oracle Metadata Analysis * Term-to-Data Mapping * Semantic Layer Buildout * Validation and Testing ... Programming / Query Languages: * Strong SQL, especially Oracle SQL. * Intermediate Python for ...

Photon

Data Engineer - Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

Metadata Engineering: Enrich raw data with advanced metadata tagging to help agents filter and prioritize information during multi-step reasoning tasks. * Real-time Data Streaming: Build low-latency ...

Photon

Data Engineer - Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX

$113K - $136K/yr

Metadata Engineering: Enrich raw data with advanced metadata tagging to help agents filter and prioritize information during multi-step reasoning tasks. * Real-time Data Streaming: Build low-latency ...

Prudential Annuities Distributors (PAD)

$192.90 - $289.30/hr

Your TeamAs the Vice President, Metadata, Data Cataloguing and Semantic Layer, you will provide ... You will partner across business, data, analytics, architecture, engineering, governance, privacy ...

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Metadata Engineer information

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$127.5K

$168.5K

How much do metadata engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for metadata engineer in the United States is $166,304.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $167,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Metadata Engineer typically collaborate with data governance and engineering teams?

Metadata Engineers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between data governance and engineering teams. They are responsible for designing and maintaining metadata repositories, ensuring data assets are well-documented and easily discoverable. On a daily basis, Metadata Engineers work closely with data engineers to implement metadata capture and lineage tracking, and they partner with governance teams to establish data quality and compliance standards. Effective collaboration is essential for maintaining data integrity and supporting organizational data strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Metadata Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metadata Engineer, you need a strong background in data modeling, metadata standards, and database management, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with metadata management tools (such as Collibra or Alation), SQL, data catalog systems, and sometimes certifications in data governance are commonly required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective cross-team communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate metadata organization, support data discoverability, and enable effective data governance across an organization.

What is the difference between Metadata Engineer vs Data Engineer?

AspectMetadata EngineerData Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related fields; certifications in data management or metadata standardsBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields; certifications in data engineering or cloud platforms
Work EnvironmentData management teams, data governance, data catalogingData pipelines, database architecture, big data platforms
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, data-driven organizations, data management firmsTech companies, finance, healthcare, e-commerce, any industry handling large data sets

While both roles involve working with data, Metadata Engineers focus on managing data descriptions, standards, and catalogs to ensure data is discoverable and well-documented. Data Engineers build and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure to enable data analysis and reporting. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right roles for their data needs.

What are Metadata Engineers?

Metadata Engineers are specialized IT professionals who design, implement, and manage systems that capture, structure, and utilize metadata—data that describes other data—within an organization. Their work supports data governance, improves data discoverability, and enhances the consistency and quality of information across databases and platforms. Metadata Engineers often collaborate with data architects, data stewards, and business analysts to ensure that data assets are properly cataloged and easily accessible for analysis and compliance purposes.
More about Metadata Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Metadata Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Metadata Engineer jobs are:
Metadata Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Metadata Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,304 per year, or $80 per hour.
Head of Metadata and Cataloging

Head of Metadata and Cataloging

Smith College

Northampton, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Smith College rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
Department
Libraries
Job Description
Job Summary
The Head of Metadata and Cataloging provides administrative and operational leadership for metadata and cataloging services across Smith College Libraries. Reporting to the Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems, this position is responsible for the planning, supervision, assessment, and ongoing direction of metadata and cataloging operations for general collections, with particular responsibility for batch loading, metadata remediation, metadata quality control, and the management of bibliographic, holdings, and inventory data in FOLIO and related metadata workflows. The Head works closely with the Cataloging Librarian, Electronic Resources staff, Discovery and Systems colleagues, and the East Asian Cataloging Librarian to ensure that library resources are represented accurately and function reliably across systems used for management and discovery. The position collaborates with the Head of Collection Strategies and other managers on unit priorities, policies, and cross-functional initiatives. In a small-team environment, the Head balances substantive hands-on technical work with managerial responsibility, policy and workflow development, documentation, change management, and continuous improvement.
Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
Essential Functions
Metadata and Cataloging Operations (35%)
  • Lead batch loading, record import, bulk update, and metadata cleanup workflows for library resources.
  • Analyze, correct, and maintain bibliographic, holdings, item, and related metadata to improve access, discoverability, and data consistency.
  • Develop, implement, document, and refine workflows, policies, and procedures for metadata maintenance, record processing, and data quality review.
  • Monitor recurring metadata and data quality issues and recommend practical improvements to workflows and practices.
  • Maintain current knowledge of metadata standards, descriptive practices, and tools used in metadata creation and management.
  • Ensure that metadata and cataloging practices support accurate representation, discoverability, and long-term stewardship of library resources.

Metadata Workflows and Data Quality Support (25%)
  • Oversee metadata-related record workflows, data quality practices, and bibliographic, holdings, and inventory maintenance in FOLIO and related metadata environments.
  • Coordinate with Discovery and Systems colleagues, Electronic Resources staff, and other library partners on data imports, record maintenance, troubleshooting, and changes affecting metadata display, linking, and access.
  • Collaborate on metadata publishing and data flows between systems of record and discovery environments, while relying on Discovery and Systems colleagues for technical infrastructure, platform administration, and discovery-layer configuration.
  • Identify and resolve metadata and data integrity issues affecting the representation and discoverability of library resources, escalating technical systems issues as appropriate.
  • Use tools and technologies for bulk editing, reporting, analysis, and metadata transformation.
  • Assess the operational impact of system, vendor, and workflow changes affecting metadata, cataloging, and resource representation.

Collaboration, Documentation, and Training (20%)
  • Work collaboratively with cataloging and metadata colleagues, archivists, programmers, IT staff, faculty, and other library colleagues to implement metadata standards and data practices.
  • Develop documentation, decision logs, and training materials to support sustainable workflows and responsible systems changes.
  • Provide consultation and guidance to library staff on metadata tools, batch workflows, and data quality practices.
  • Collaborate with departments and teams across Smith College Libraries on metadata creation and maintenance for digital collections, institutional repository materials, and other local projects.
  • Represent the library in relevant campus, consortial, and professional committees or working groups related to metadata, cataloging, and library data management.

Management, Planning, and Administrative Oversight (15%)
  • Establish priorities, goals, assignments, policies, and procedures for metadata and cataloging services in collaboration with the Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems.
  • Provide administrative oversight for metadata and cataloging services, including workflow planning, problem solving, assessment, and decision-making related to operational needs.
  • Manage one or more direct reports in regular and/or fixed-term roles within an organization comprising of union-affiliated staff.
  • Accountable for hiring, development/coaching, and performance-related decisions, with support from Human Resources.
  • Make informed decisions impacting the unit and library, including setting priorities, allocating resources, and addressing operational challenges.
  • Develop a service-focused culture and foster positive labor relations in a union environment.
  • Set the tone for employee relations and engagement, ensuring that the workforce is positioned to meet the college's operational needs while creating an environment where all workers are treated with dignity and respect.

Other Functions (5%)
  • Prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations related to metadata workflows, batch processes, and data quality.
  • Participate in developing goals, objectives, and implementation plans pertaining to the Libraries' Collections, Discovery, and Systems unit activities.
  • Contribute effectively to teamwork, communication, problem solving, and customer service.
  • Engage in professional development related to metadata, technical services, discovery, and library systems.
  • Perform related duties as required.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • 3+ years of relevant experience in metadata, cataloging, technical services, library systems, digital collections, repository work, or comparable structured-data work.
  • Demonstrated experience working with batch processes, structured data, imports or exports, bulk editing, metadata cleanup, or related data maintenance workflows.
  • Experience working with at least one library services platform, discovery service, repository platform, or comparable data management environment.
  • Knowledge of metadata and cataloging standards, including MARC and RDA, or demonstrated ability to learn and apply library metadata standards quickly.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, document workflows, manage detailed work accurately, and exercise sound judgment when making changes that affect access or discovery.
  • Demonstrated supervisory, management, or equivalent administrative experience in a collaborative environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility, and reparative metadata practices.
  • Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualification
  • 5+ years expereince preferred
  • Experience working with FOLIO, EBSCO Discovery Service, or other library management and discovery platforms.
  • Experience in a consortial, shared-catalog, or multi-institution environment.
  • Experience with authority control, database maintenance, and metadata quality review.
  • Experience establishing or revising workflows, local practices, or policies for metadata and cataloging operations.
  • Experience using tools for bulk editing, scripting, reporting, SQL, spreadsheets, OpenRefine, MarcEdit, or metadata transformation.
  • Experience developing documentation, training materials, or repeatable operational workflows.
  • Supervisory or team coordination experience.
  • Experience working with digital collections, institutional repositories, or vendor-supplied metadata.
  • Knowledge of a language other than English.

Skills
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to address metadata and cataloging challenges.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex, detailed work with attention to accuracy, consistency, and the downstream effects of systems changes.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively in a small-team environment.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Enthusiasm for troubleshooting, workflow improvement, and learning new tools and technologies.
  • Ability to utilize technologies and tools for metadata creation and management, including bulk editing, automation techniques, and programmatic methods.

Additional Information
Questions about the position or department may be directed to Rob O'Connell at roconnell@smith.edu. We welcome inquiries from prospective applicants.
Compensation
In addition to a competitive benefits package, annualized pay for this role is typically between $65,996.44 - $89,289.30 covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications and work schedule if less than full-time.
Position Type
Regular
Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.
You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.
Review of applications will begin
July 9, 2026
About Smith College
Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

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