Software Engineer - Database

Stack

Responsibilities

• ▹Own major projects in the dual execution stack so DuckDB can process queries seamlessly whether they run locally or in the cloud
• ▹Help build a cloud platform that dynamically assigns resources, from tiny workloads to the biggest, highest-memory instances
• ▹Lead cross-functional work with frontend, platform and infrastructure teams to keep the user experience coherent end to end
• ▹Push the state of the art in embedded database performance, distributed execution and DuckDB internals
• ▹Deepen DuckDB expertise and share it company-wide through mentorship and documentation
• ▹Work directly with the support team to debug issues, learn from real usage patterns and prioritize improvements
• ▹Improve systems holistically, spotting architectural challenges early and clearing bottlenecks
• ▹Mentor teammates and raise the bar for engineering practices
• ▹Work closely with DuckDB Labs to align on APIs and shape where DuckDB goes next

Requirements

• ▹Experience building and shipping complex backend systems
• ▹Fluency in C++, Rust, Java or similar systems languages, comfortable working close to the metal
• ▹A good foundation in query engines, execution plans, indexing and performance optimization
• ▹Experience with cloud infrastructure, networking and low-latency distributed systems
• ▹Ability to scope and lead projects spanning multiple collaborators and dependencies
• ▹Clear thinking, careful design and thoughtful tradeoffs
• ▹Comfortable mentoring peers and building a collaborative environment
• ▹Enjoy engaging with the wider community, including open-source conversations and DuckDB Labs

Nice to have

• ▹C++ and Rust are the biggest plus, great Java engineers are welcome too
• ▹Hands-on DuckDB experience is a huge plus at any level

Soft skills

What we offer

• ▹Contribute to DuckDB, one of the most popular modern open source analytical databases
• ▹Competitive salary and stock options
• ▹Flexible time off
• ▹Good pension plan
• ▹Annual company summit plus 1-2 team gatherings a year
• ▹Hybrid work: three days a week in the office, the rest from wherever you are most productive
• ▹Office on the river Ij with a great lunch every day

About the company

MotherDuck aims to make data warehousing fun and frictionless for developers and data practitioners. It is building a cloud-hosted version of DuckDB together with the creators of DuckDB, unifying local development with cloud operations.