Staff Software Engineer - (Backend C++)

ServiceNow•San Diego, CA

26d

About The Position

Team: ServiceNow Project RaptorDB, based on Postgres, the world's most advanced openâsource database, acts as a foundational data layer that allows ServiceNow customers to process massive volumes of transactional data on the Now Platform in real time to meet the demands of AIâpowered applications and business critical workflows. It adds analytical capabilities to meet advanced reporting and data mining needs. This team is building the very core of RaptorDB and even the smallest optimization can have a dramatic impact on our customers and our bottom line. We are looking for an experienced developer with C/C++ knowledge who wants to contribute heavily to building the very core of our ServiceNow database. You will work directly with other engineers on the Data Platform team solving challenging problems in scaling and querying large data sets efficiently both vertically and horizontally. Our work is based on Postgres with significant in-house enhancements and unique features. This is your opportunity to contribute to cutting edge database software used at massive scale. What you get to do in this role: You'll collaborate with 3 teams of 20+ dedicated database-internals engineers. Be part of building the next-gen database platform using and contributing to the latest open-source technologies Analyze storage/memory/compute performance and scalability bottlenecks in the system and build targeted software solutions Develop complex and creative solutions with quality modern C/C++ code and a highly automated build and test infrastructure Improve reliability and observability by designing and building self-diagnostic and self-healing system capabilities Learn state-of-the-art development practices for performance, reliability and error prevention Partner with core and cross-functional teams to create the next-generation database engine powering ServiceNow

Requirements

In depth knowledge of computer and general systems architecture (threads, networking, kernel, etc)
Excellent skills in object-oriented programming combined with some C/C++ and SQL knowledge
Experience in test-driven development
Solid understanding and experience with agile software development methodologies and working in a large, ambitious team
Ability to handle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Skill to manage your own complex tasks, know when to synchronize and re-align with the team, and lead more junior team members working with you
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills and the ability to communicate them effectively in design documents and architect-level discussions
An aptitude for learning new technologies and an itch to code
Experience working with at least one of OS kernel, memory manager, multi-threaded software modules, or distributed systems
Experience in leveraging or critically thinking about how to integrate AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving. This may include using AI-powered tools, automating workflows, analyzing AI-driven insights, or exploring AI's potential impact on the function or industry.
6+ years of experience developing professional software
Experience with deep knowledge in one of operating systems, complex layered software products or database systems
Proven track record of delivering sub-modules or software features end-to-end
Ability to handle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of C/C++ and SQL

Nice To Haves

Experience In using AI Productivity tools such as Windsurf, Cursor, etc is a plus or nice to have
Any experience developing the internals of relational, analytical, or graph databases
Experience working with relational databases, especially MariaDB and/or Postgres
Experience working with analytical or graph databases

Responsibilities

Collaborate with 3 teams of 20+ dedicated database-internals engineers.
Be part of building the next-gen database platform using and contributing to the latest open-source technologies
Analyze storage/memory/compute performance and scalability bottlenecks in the system and build targeted software solutions
Develop complex and creative solutions with quality modern C/C++ code and a highly automated build and test infrastructure
Improve reliability and observability by designing and building self-diagnostic and self-healing system capabilities
Learn state-of-the-art development practices for performance, reliability and error prevention
Partner with core and cross-functional teams to create the next-generation database engine powering ServiceNow