Senior Software Engineer
At Yugabyte, we are on a mission to become the default transactional database for enterprises building cloud-native applications. YugabyteDB is our PostgreSQL-compatible distributed database for cloud-native apps. Resilient, scalable, and flexible, it runs on any cloud and enables developers to become instantly productive using well-known APIs.We are looking for talented and driven people to join us on our ambitious mission and help us build a lasting and impactful company.The transactional database market is estimated to grow to $64B by 2025. YugabyteDB is cloud-native by design, has on-demand horizontal scalability, and supports geographical distribution of data using built-in replication. This means that we are well-positioned to meet market demand for geo-distributed, high-scale, high-performance workloads.
Join the Database Revolution at Yugabyte.
Modern applications need a cloud-native database that eliminates tradeoffs and silos. YugabyteDB retains the power and familiarity of PostgreSQL by pairing its trusted API with a precision-engineered, distributed, cloud-native architecture. Even better, it’s 100% open source. Many of the world's leading enterprises are migrating from legacy RDBMSs (like Oracle, SQL Server, and DB2) to YugabyteDB, to meet their mission-critical app demands.
Senior Software Engineer – Core Database
Location: Sunnyvale, United States
Team: Core Database
Position Level: Senior Software Engineer
Role Overview
As a Senior Software Engineer working on YugabyteDB’s core database engine, you will play a critical role in designing, building, and scaling the foundational components of a globally distributed SQL database — spanning query processing, storage, replication, and transactions.
You will work on some of the most challenging problems in distributed systems, including query planning and execution, consistency, durability, fault tolerance, performance, and scalability. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams across query, platform, and cloud, you will help ensure YugabyteDB remains robust, reliable, and high-performing at scale.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy deep systems work and want to shape the core architecture of a high-performance, fault-tolerant distributed database.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, test, and deliver core database features across query processing, storage, replication, and transactions in YugabyteDB.
- Write high-quality C/C++ code (and other languages as needed) with strong automated test coverage; actively participate in design discussions and code reviews.
- Troubleshoot and resolve correctness, stability, and performance issues across:
- Distributed query planning and execution
- Storage and transactional subsystems
- Improve database scalability and throughput as cluster sizes, data volumes, and transaction rates grow.
- Identify and implement performance optimizations across the stack, including:
- Query plan optimization, batching, and parallelism
- Storage engine and replication efficiency
- End-to-end latency and throughput improvements
- Build and enhance core operational capabilities
- Contribute to the open-source YugabyteDB project, helping strengthen its distributed SQL capabilities and reliability.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (query, storage, platform, cloud) to deliver cohesive, high-quality features.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices in distributed systems, database internals, and performance engineering.
Required Qualifications
- 5–8 years of software engineering experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science (or related field), or equivalent practical experience.
- Strong programming skills in C/C++ (or similar systems language)
- Solid understanding of:
- Data structures and algorithms
- Operating systems fundamentals
- Distributed systems basics
- Experience in at least one of:
- Database internals (query processing, execution engines)
- Storage systems (LSM trees, WAL, compaction, etc.)
- Distributed systems (replication, consensus, transactions)
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience building or working with distributed systems, including distributed storage, transactional engines, or consensus protocols.
- Strong understanding of database internals, with familiarity in areas such as:
- PostgreSQL or other relational database engines
- Query processing or storage engine design
- Contributions to open-source systems or database projects are a strong plus.
Work Authorization
This position is based in the U.S. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States. Sponsorship may be considered only under specific circumstances aligned with current regulatory requirements.
We feel strongly about equal pay for equal work, and transparency in compensation is one way to help achieve that. The cash compensation for this role is market competitive, with a range of USD 170,000-USD 200,000, inclusive of variable/incentive for some roles. As well as equity (when applicable), and benefits including health plans, retirement plans, and unlimited paid time off (PTO). The pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. The actual pay will vary based on factors including experience, qualifications, and skill level.
#LI-HYBRID
Due to the Proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers”, which went into effect on September 21, 2025, at this time we are no longer able to sponsor new H-1B visa petitions filed after September 21, 2025 for new hires. We are still able to consider candidates who require H-1B extensions, changes of employer, or other types of work authorization.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
As an equal opportunity employer, Yugabyte is committed to a diverse workforce. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws.
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