# Staff Engineer, Search Systems

**Company:** [MongoDB](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/mongodb)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** Backend Engineering
**Salary:** $151k – $297k/yr
**Experience:** 10+ years
**Skills:** Java, Distributed Systems, Cloud Services, SaaS, Data Consistency, Concurrency, Apache Lucene, Vector Search, Mongodb Atlas, Jvm, Multithreading, Database Systems
**Posted:** 2026-09-02

> Staff-level engineer shaping the architecture and technical direction of MongoDB’s Search and Vector Search infrastructure. The role requires 10+ years in data management or distributed infrastructure, strong distributed-systems expertise, and the ability to lead complex cross-team initiatives.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Own the cross-system data infrastructure layer for next-generation MongoDB Search and Vector Search, with outcomes spanning 6–18 months.
- Define the technical roadmap for Atlas Search, identify gaps, propose solutions, and drive alignment across global engineering teams.
- Lead the architecture and evolution of the core `mongot` and Mongo Management Service infrastructure, making decisions about durability, consistency, and scale.
- Drive complex, multi-team initiatives by building technical consensus, navigating ambiguity, and setting technical direction.
- Advise leadership on roadmap, architecture, and engineering processes.
- Mentor engineers, conduct rigorous code reviews, and share knowledge to raise the team’s technical capabilities.
- Standardize engineering team contracts and interfaces to reduce coordination costs and improve execution velocity.

## Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in data management systems or related distributed infrastructure.
- Deep proficiency in modern programming languages and techniques; Java fluency preferred.
- Experience designing and operating distributed systems, cloud services, or SaaS products at scale.
- Ability to reason about data consistency, durability guarantees, concurrency, and failure modes in distributed environments.
- Track record operating at Staff or Principal scope, including defining technical direction, resolving cross-team ambiguity, and championing initiatives from conception through delivery.

## Nice-to-haves
- Experience designing or maintaining search platforms or distributed databases.
- Experience debugging and profiling multithreaded JVM applications and distributed systems.
- Experience with Apache Lucene, MongoDB Search, Vector Search, or database infrastructure.

## Compensation
- Base salary: $151,000–$297,000 annually.
- Additional compensation and benefits may include equity, employee stock purchase plan, flexible paid time off, parental leave, fertility and adoption assistance, 401(k), mental health counseling, and health benefits.

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