Senior Software Engineer, Query Optimization

Join the MongoDB Server Query Optimization team, and help us build a world-class distributed open-source query optimizer. Our team plays a crucial role in the experience and performance of data processing. We are responsible for the MongoDB Query Language and the lifecycle of each query, through parsing, optimization and plan selection.

We have tons of interesting problems to solve with a direct impact on users for transactional, time-series, and analytical workloads. The team is endeavoring to systematically rewrite every major component of our optimization and execution systems. We need your help to design and build the heart of a distributed, flexible schema, document database.

This role can be based remotely in the U.S. or Canada, limited to Eastern or Central time zones only.

Candidate Profile

5+ years of experience in data management systems, distributed systems, or large-scale backend engineering

Experience with building production-level code with a large user base, robust design structure and rigorous code quality

Degree in Computer Science or similar field, or equivalent practical experience, with strong competencies in data structures, algorithms, and software design/architecture

Experience with large code bases written in C++ or another systems programming language. You'll need to trace down defects, estimate work complexity, and design evolution and integration strategies as we rewrite different components of the system

A strong foundation in core database internals is essential. While direct experience in query optimization is a massive bonus, it is not a prerequisite. We are also excited to meet candidates with strong backgrounds in compilers, language transpilers, or distributed storage systems

Position Expectations

Innovate in the area of flexible schema databases. Help us build a world-class query optimization system

Research state-of-the art query systems to inform our design

Leverage deep knowledge of the strength and weakness of the product and of industry trends to provide technical vision and direction

Set initiative level strategy, architect plans, and lead the team towards successful execution

Advise and partner with management on roadmap decisions, processes, and architectural designs

Identify, design, implement, test, and support new features related to query performance and robustness, query language enhancements, diagnostics, and integration with other products and tools

Work with other engineers to coordinate seamless changes in a feature-rich, large code base

Work with other teams including client drivers, cloud services, enterprise tools, support, consulting, education, and marketing to coordinate changes or contribute to their projects

Influence and grow team members through active mentoring, coaching and leading by example

Success Measures

In three months you’ll have contributed to the development of a project slated for the next major version, as well as fixed a few bugs in a minor version of our latest stable release series; You'll have learned about MongoDB's project lifecycle, and our long-term goals for the system

In six months, you’ll have taken on code review responsibilities and are playing an active role in drafting and reviewing the design for new features; You have expanded the team's horizons by presenting a favorite paper or system architecture related to query systems

In twelve months, on the basis of your extensive past experience in the query space, you have contributed to the long-term technical roadmap of the MongoDB Query team