Senior Backend Engineer (Distributed Systems and SQL Query Engines)

On behalf of our client, we are looking for a Senior Backend Engineer (Distributed Systems and SQL Query Engines).

About the Role:
You will help develop and extend a distributed SQL query-processing platform, building backend services that integrate analytical database engines, route queries, and ensure reliable execution across different environments.
The company is considering candidates with expertise in either Google BigQuery/GCP or Databricks/Spark. Experience with both platforms is not required.

Responsibilities:

– Design and develop distributed backend services.
– Build integrations with BigQuery or Databricks.
– Contribute to intelligent SQL query-routing functionality.
– Work on compatibility and reliability across analytical database engines.
– Improve query execution workflows and failure handling.
– Collaborate with the engineering team on architecture and platform improvements.

Requirements:

– 5+ years of experience in Backend/Software Engineering.
– 1+ year of experience with Distributed Systems.
– 2+ years of hands-on experience with either Google BigQuery/GCP or Databricks/Spark/Lakehouse.
– 2+ years of experience with SQL dialects, query processing, and analytical database engine integration.
– Strong experience building reliable and scalable distributed services.
– Solid understanding of concurrency, fault tolerance, and error handling.
– Strong SQL skills and understanding of analytical database engines.
– Familiarity with SQL dialect differences and engine-specific behavior.
– Experience working with analytical workloads and data-processing platforms.
– Availability to work until 11 AM PST.

Nice to Have:

– Python development experience.
– Experience with SQL parsing, AST manipulation, or query planning.
– Knowledge of database and query engine internals.
– Experience with Apache Arrow, Iceberg, or Delta Lake.
– Experience with query routing, SQL gateways, or database proxy development.
– Experience with Snowflake, DuckDB, or ClickHouse.
– Previous experience migrating analytical workloads between database engines.

Company offers:

– Long-term employment with possibilities for professional growth
– Fully remote work
– Reasonably flexible schedule
– 15 days of paid vacation
– Regular performance reviews