Software Engineer - Database

Description

The company builds a cloud-hosted version of an open-source embedded analytical database, aiming to make data warehousing simple for developers and data practitioners who build fast internal and customer-facing analytics.

The company unifies local development with cloud operations, bridging software and data engineering workflows. The team is made up of experienced data industry veterans.

The Database team connects the local engine to the cloud. It owns the core server and client extensions that let the engine run the same way locally or in the cloud, and writes C++ inside the engine's own codebase. The team is small, works with high agency, and collaborates closely with the upstream engine team on APIs and future direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead major work on the dual execution stack so queries run the same whether they execute locally or in the cloud.
• Build cloud platform resource assignment that keeps the engine efficient for tiny workloads and for the largest high-memory instances.
• Drive cross-functional projects with the frontend, platform, and infrastructure teams to keep the user experience consistent end to end.
• Advance embedded database performance, distributed execution, and engine internals.
• Handle incoming issues with the support team, learn from real usage, and prioritize the fixes that matter most.
• Spot architectural problems early and remove bottlenecks before they grow.
• Share engine knowledge through mentoring and documentation, and help raise engineering standards across the team.
• Lend your engine expertise to other teams and collaborate with the wider open-source community.
• Work with the upstream engine team to align on APIs and shape the engine's direction.

Requirements

• Have built and shipped complex backend systems.
• Be fluent in a backend systems language such as C++, Rust, or Java, and comfortable working close to the metal. C++ and Rust are the biggest plus, and Java engineers are also very welcome.
• Have a solid grasp of query engines, execution plans, indexing, and performance optimization.
• Hands-on experience with DuckDB is a huge plus, at any level.
• Have experience with cloud infrastructure, networking, and low-latency distributed systems.
• Can scope and lead projects involving several collaborators and cross-functional dependencies.
• Think clearly, design carefully, and weigh tradeoffs thoughtfully.
• Are comfortable mentoring peers and building a collaborative, high-agency environment.
• Enjoy engaging with the open-source community, including conversations with the upstream engine team.

Conditions

The role is ideally based in New York City, and remote candidates on the East Coast are also considered.

Spend most of the week in the office and work from wherever you are most productive the rest of the time. Specifics depend on the role and are agreed with your manager.

Candidates who meet many but not all of the requirements are encouraged to apply, as the company will strongly consider them.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and stock options.
• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, plus 80% coverage for dependents.
• Flexible PTO.
• 401k plan.
• Company team gatherings twice a year.
• The chance to contribute to a popular modern open-source analytical database.