Staff Engineer, Query Optimization

Responsibilities

• Innovate in flexible-schema databases and build a world-class query optimization system.
• Research state-of-the-art query systems to inform design.
• Provide technical vision and direction based on product strengths, weaknesses, and industry trends.
• Set initiative-level strategy, architect plans, and lead execution.
• Advise and partner with management on roadmap decisions, processes, and architectural designs.
• Identify, design, implement, test, and support features related to query performance and robustness, query language enhancements, diagnostics, and integrations with other products and tools.
• Coordinate seamless changes across a feature-rich, large codebase.
• Collaborate with client drivers, cloud services, enterprise tools, support, consulting, education, and marketing teams.
• Mentor and coach team members, leading by example.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in data management systems, distributed systems, or large-scale backend engineering.
• Experience building production-level code with a large user base, robust design structures, and rigorous code quality.
• Degree in Computer Science or a similar field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong competencies in data structures, algorithms, and software design and architecture.
• Experience with large codebases written in C++ or another systems programming language.
• Ability to trace defects, estimate work complexity, and design evolution and integration strategies.
• Strong foundation in core database internals.
• Experience in query optimization is a major advantage; backgrounds in compilers, language transpilers, or distributed storage systems are also relevant.

Compensation and Benefits

• U.S. base salary range: $151,000–$297,000 USD.
• Eligible benefits may include equity, employee stock purchase program, flexible paid time off, 20 weeks of fully paid gender-neutral parental leave, fertility and adoption assistance, a 401(k) plan, mental health counseling, transgender-inclusive health insurance coverage, and health benefits offerings.