Software Engineer – Database

MotherDuck

. Own major projects in the dual execution stack .

Posted 10/31/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $180,000 - $260,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in building and shipping complex backend systems, with a strong foundation in query engines, performance optimization, and distributed systems. Proven ability to mentor peers and lead cross-functional projects while collaborating with open-source communities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C++RustJavaDuckDBCloud Infrastructure

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills

Backend Systems DevelopmentQuery EnginesExecution PlansIndexingPerformance OptimizationDistributed SystemsDuckDB InternalsCloud Resource-AssignmentDebuggingArchitectural Challenges

Soft Skills

MentorshipCollaborationProject LeadershipCommunication

Tools & Technologies

DuckDB LabsAPIsCloud Networking

Industry Keywords

Open-Source CommunitiesLow-Latency SystemsCross-Functional TeamsUsage Patterns

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudDistributed SystemsJavaRustC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own major projects in the dual execution stack
Build cloud resource-assignment capabilities for varying DuckDB workloads
Lead cross-functional work with frontend, platform, and infrastructure teams
Advance embedded database performance, distributed execution, and DuckDB internals
Develop DuckDB expertise and share it through mentorship and documentation
Debug issues with the support team and prioritize improvements based on usage patterns
Identify architectural challenges and remove bottlenecks
Mentor teammates and improve engineering practices
Collaborate with DuckDB Labs on APIs and DuckDB’s future direction

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience building and shipping complex backend systems
Fluency in C++, Rust, Java, or similar systems languages
Comfort working close to the metal
Foundation in query engines, execution plans, indexing, and performance optimization
Hands-on DuckDB experience is a plus
Experience with cloud infrastructure and networking
Experience building low-latency distributed systems
Ability to scope and lead projects spanning multiple collaborators and cross-functional dependencies
Comfort mentoring peers
Ability to engage with open-source communities or DuckDB Labs
Eligibility to work in the United States and ability to address future sponsorship requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Stock options/equity
100% paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees
80% coverage for dependents
Flexible PTO
401(k) plan
Company events twice a year
Flexible work environment with most of the week in the office and remaining time wherever most productive
Opportunity to participate and contribute to DuckDB open source