Software Engineer - Database

MotherDuck • New York, NY

9d • $180,000 - $260,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Database team connects DuckDB with the cloud and owns core server and client extension logic that enables DuckDB to run locally or in the cloud. The team works in C++ alongside the DuckDB codebase and advances embedded database performance, distributed execution, and user experience in collaboration with DuckDB Labs.

The role leads major projects involving dual execution, resource assignment, and system reliability, while addressing incoming issues and sharing DuckDB expertise across the company. Engineers collaborate across MotherDuck and with the DuckDB community to build analytics experiences that work seamlessly across local and cloud environments. The position is ideally based in New York City, and strong candidates located remotely on the East Coast are also welcome.

Requirements

• Experience building and shipping complex backend systems.
• Fluency in a backend language such as C++, Rust, Java, or a similar systems language, with comfort working close to the metal.
• A foundation in query engines, execution plans, indexing, and performance optimization techniques.
• Experience with cloud infrastructure, networking, and low-latency distributed systems.
• Ability to scope and lead projects involving multiple collaborators and cross-functional dependencies.
• Clear thinking, careful design, and thoughtful tradeoffs.
• Comfort mentoring peers and contributing to a collaborative, high-agency environment.
• Interest in engaging with the wider community, including open-source discussions or working directly with DuckDB Labs.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with DuckDB.
• C++ or Rust experience; Java expertise is also welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Own major projects in the dual execution stack so DuckDB can process queries locally or in the cloud.
• Help build a cloud platform that dynamically assigns resources for workloads of varying sizes and memory needs.
• Lead cross-functional work with frontend, platform, and infrastructure teams to maintain a coherent end-to-end user experience.
• Advance embedded database performance, distributed execution, and DuckDB internals.
• Develop DuckDB expertise and share it through mentorship and documentation.
• Work with the support team to debug issues, learn from real usage patterns, and prioritize improvements.
• Identify architectural challenges and remove system bottlenecks before they become problems.
• Mentor teammates and improve engineering practices across the team.
• Work with DuckDB Labs to align on APIs and help shape DuckDB's direction.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and stock options.
• 100% paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees.
• 80% healthcare coverage for dependents.
• Flexible PTO.
• 401k plan.
• Company events twice a year.
• Flexible work environment, with most of the week in the office and the remainder worked from wherever the employee is most productive, as agreed with the manager.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed