# Staff Engineer, Query Optimization

**Company:** [MongoDB](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/mongodb)
**Location:** Remote
**Role:** Backend Engineering
**Salary:** $151k – $297k/yr
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** C++, Data Structures, Algorithms, Software Architecture, Database Internals, Query Optimization, Distributed Systems, Backend Engineering, Compilers, Language Transpilers, Distributed Storage, Mongodb Query Language, Code Review, Systems Programming
**Posted:** 2026-08-07

> Leads the design and development of MongoDB’s distributed query optimization and execution systems, shaping technical strategy and mentoring engineers. Requires 10+ years in data management, distributed systems, or large-scale backend engineering, plus systems programming and strong database internals expertise.

## Job Description

## 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.

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