Software Data Architect, PostgreSQL Database - AiDP

Apple•Sunnyvale, CA

18h

About The Position

The AI & Data Platforms (AiDP) team at Apple is seeking an experienced committer to the PostgreSQL open source project to help lead the technical direction of PostgreSQL at Apple. This team develops and operates Apple's cloud-based relational database service hosting PostgreSQL databases that power critical workloads across Services, Manufacturing, and AI/ML. The role involves working with modern database technologies, distributed systems, and storage engineering to push the limits of open-source PostgreSQL, delivering enterprise-class performance, availability, and durability. The work is deployed at a massive scale, serving millions of queries per second over many petabytes of data worldwide, impacting millions of users of key Apple services. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the PostgreSQL open source project on behalf of Apple, acting as the recognized technical authority for PostgreSQL internals, representing Apple in the global community, and fostering the growth of future contributors within Apple.

Requirements

Current or former committer to the PostgreSQL open source project.
Demonstrated, sustained record of contributing features to PostgreSQL that have been well received upstream.
BS in Computer Science/related fields with 10+ years of relevant experience.
High level of proficiency in C (and, where relevant, C++ or Rust).
Advanced understanding of data structures and algorithms in storage and indexing.
Deep knowledge of the internals of PostgreSQL.
Demonstrated technical leadership and the ability to set technical direction across teams.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to partner closely with Database Engineering and SRE teams.
High degree of customer focus when engaging with internal customers.
Ability to explain highly complex technical material clearly and concisely to leaders across the organization.
Ability to work effectively with colleagues based in other locations.

Nice To Haves

MS or PhD in Computer Science/related fields (MS with 8+ years or PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience).
Authorship of major PostgreSQL features, or sustained maintainership of a significant subsystem of the database.
History of speaking at PostgreSQL developer conferences, and of mentoring other contributors.
Knowledge of Linux Kernel development, and performance optimizations.

Responsibilities

Act as an established technical authority and thought leader for PostgreSQL internals and features.
Anticipate and frame systemic challenges related to PostgreSQL.
Shape technical direction across multiple teams for PostgreSQL.
Ensure consistency and a high-quality bar in all aspects of the database, including query execution, storage, replication, high-availability, scaling, administration, and new feature development.
Operate at the intersection of Apple and the upstream community, driving an upstream-first strategy.
Advise engineering leaders and key stakeholders to align technical execution with business priorities.
Serve as the key resource whose judgment shapes critical decisions for the Postgres domain.
Continue open source contributions to PostgreSQL.
Represent Apple in the global PostgreSQL community.
Grow the next generation of contributors and committers at Apple.