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Principal Software Engineer - Postgres

140k – 232kUnited StatesBackend EngineeringRemote10+ YOE
Summary

Principal Engineer building and extending Postgres internals for storage, replication, and performance at scale. Requires 10+ years systems programming experience in C/C++ or Rust plus deep database engine knowledge.

About the role

What You’ll Do

  • Lead design and implementation of advanced systems features across areas like storage, replication, query execution, and performance optimization.
  • Contribute to and extend Postgres internals — improving reliability, scalability, and efficiency.
  • Prototype and build extensions that expand Postgres’s core capabilities and integrate with cloud-native infrastructure.
  • Collaborate with product, infrastructure, and cloud platform teams to deliver robust, developer-friendly experiences.
  • Profile and optimize database performance using low-level instrumentation and benchmarking.
  • Provide technical leadership, set standards for engineering excellence, and mentor senior engineers.
  • Operate with significant autonomy and ownership — driving projects from concept to production.

About You

  • 10+ years of experience building systems software in C/C++ or Rust (Go experience a plus).
  • Deep knowledge of PostgreSQL or other database engine internals, including storage, execution, or replication subsystems.
  • Strong understanding of concurrency, operating systems, and performance engineering.
  • Proven ability to ship large-scale systems or core infrastructure features end-to-end.
  • Experience contributing to open-source databases or similar complex systems is highly desirable.
  • Pragmatic problem solver with a bias for simplicity and measurable impact.
  • Thrives in a high-autonomy, high-velocity environment.

Compensation and Perks

  • Flexible work environment - globally distributed company and remote-friendly. Operates in over 20 countries.
  • Healthcare - Employer contributions towards your healthcare.
  • Equity in the company - Every new team member receives stock options.
  • Time off - Flexible time off in the US, generous entitlement in other countries.
  • $500 Home office setup for remote employees.
  • Global Gatherings – opportunities to engage with colleagues at company-wide offsites.
Skills
CC++RustGoPostgreSQLDatabase internalsStorage enginesQuery executionReplicationPerformance optimizationConcurrencyOperating systems
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