Software Engineer – Database

Key Responsibilities:

Own major projects in our dual execution stack, so DuckDB can process queries seamlessly whether they’re running locally or in the cloud.

Help build a cloud platform that dynamically assigns resources, so DuckDB stays efficient whether someone’s running a tiny workload or pushing our biggest, highest-memory instances.

Lead cross-functional work with our 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 your DuckDB expertise and share it with the rest of the company through mentorship and documentation.

Work directly with our support team to debug issues, learn from real usage patterns, and prioritize the improvements that matter most.

Improve systems holistically… spotting architectural challenges early and clearing bottlenecks before they become problems.

Mentor teammates and help raise the bar for engineering practices across the team.

Work closely with DuckDB Labs (which grew out of the Database Architectures group at CWI, where vectorized execution and DuckDB were born) to help align on APIs and shape where DuckDB goes next.

What you bring
You’ve built and shipped complex backend systems, and you know what great looks like.

You’re fluent in a backend language like C++, Rust, Java, or similar systems languages, and you’re comfortable working close to the metal. (C++ and Rust are the biggest plus here, and we love a great Java engineer too.)

A good foundation in query engines, execution plans, indexing, and performance optimization techniques.

Hands-on experience with DuckDB is a huge plus, no matter what level you’re coming in at.

You’ve worked with cloud infrastructure, networking, and building low-latency distributed systems.

You can scope and lead projects that span multiple collaborators and cross-functional dependencies.

You take pride in clear thinking, careful design, and thoughtful tradeoffs.

You’re comfortable mentoring peers and helping build a collaborative, high-agency environment.

You enjoy engaging with the wider community, whether that’s open-source conversations or working directly with DuckDB Labs.

What we provide
The opportunity to participate and contribute to DuckDB, one of most popular modern open source analytical databases.

Feather-ruffling compensation – competitive salary and stock options so you have a stake in our flock’s success.

Top-notch healthcare coverage – 100% paid medical, dental, and vision for employees, plus 80% coverage for dependents (because we care about your whole nest).

Flexible PTO – take the time you need to recharge, explore, or just have a lazy day by the pond.

401k plan – because even ducks need to plan for the future.

Legendary company events – we bring the whole flock together twice a year for unforgettable summits in fun locations, plus 1-2 team gatherings a year to keep our bonds strong.

Flexible work environment – spend most of the week in the office collaborating with the flock, and work from wherever you’re most productive the rest of the time. Specifics are role dependent and as agreed upon with your manager