Staff Software Engineer – Query Planner, Reflections

Dremio

. Set architecture and technical direction for the Query Planner and Reflections team across OSS, Enterprise, and Cloud editions .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeRemote • PortugalLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in query planning and optimization, with a strong foundation in SQL and database fundamentals. Proven ability to set technical direction and lead complex initiatives across teams while utilizing AI-assisted development tools for code validation and performance analysis.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Query Planning And OptimizationApache CalciteSQL Database FundamentalsTechnical Direction LeadershipAI-Assisted Development Tools

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

JavaC++Query ExecutionSchema DesignCost-Based OptimizersRule-Based RewritingDistributed SystemsConcurrency ControlCode GenerationMaterialized View Matching

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsProblem-SolvingIndependent Navigation Of Ambiguous Problems

Tools & Technologies

Apache IcebergAWSAzureGCPS3ADLSHDFSApache Arrow

Certifications & Qualifications

B.S./M.S. In Computer Science Or Equivalent Experience

Industry Keywords

Distributed Query EnginesOpen-Source Planner ProjectsTechnical StandardsCross-Team InitiativesSystem-Level Architecture Decisions

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ApacheAWSAzureCloudDistributed SystemsGoogle Cloud PlatformHDFSJavaSQLC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set architecture and technical direction for the Query Planner and Reflections team across OSS, Enterprise, and Cloud editions
Own the design, implementation, and delivery of complex initiatives crossing Query Execution, Catalog, and Datalake teams
Work deeply with Apache Calcite and Apache Iceberg, including upstream contributions where beneficial to Dremio
Diagnose difficult correctness and performance issues in query planning and reflection matching using query profiles, telemetry, and production data
Use AI-assisted development tools for code comprehension, debugging, test generation, documentation, and incident analysis; validate generated code through review, testing, and benchmarking
Design architectures that run correctly across deployment models and public clouds
Participate in design and code reviews and establish technical standards
Partner with Product on multi-quarter roadmap decisions and with Support and field teams on high-impact customer issues

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S./M.S/Equivalent in Computer Science or a related technical field or equivalent experience
8-10+ years of experience developing production-level software
Fluency in Java/C++ is a plus
Deep understanding of query planning and optimization, including cost-based optimizers and rule-based rewriting; ideally hands-on with Apache Calcite or a similar framework
Strong database fundamentals: SQL, performance, and schema design
Track record of driving system-level architecture decisions and leading complex, cross-team initiatives
Experience setting technical direction for a team or major component
Ability to evaluate tradeoffs and make sound decisions with unfamiliar or AI-assisted implementations
Ability to navigate ambiguous, cross-org problems independently; strong communication skills
Understanding of distributed file systems such as S3, ADLS, or HDFS
Experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP is a plus
Experience with distributed query engines is a bonus
Hands-on experience in query processing or optimization, materialized view matching, distributed systems, concurrency control, code generation, Apache Arrow, caching, or disk spilling is a bonus
Contributions to Apache Calcite, Apache Iceberg, or similar open-source planner projects are a bonus