Backend Engineer – Rust & C++ (Distributed Systems & Databases)

UMATR; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

UMATR is seeking a Backend Engineer in San Francisco to design, implement, and optimize backend components using Rust or C++. With a focus on performance and memory safety, you'll work on core database internals and collaborate with product teams to deliver scalable data systems.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in backend engineering, a deep understanding of database internals, and thrives in a fast-moving startup environment. Join a passionate team and help build next-generation data products!

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in backend systems or infrastructure engineering.
• Strong proficiency in Rust or C++ focusing on performance and memory safety.
• Deep understanding of database/storage internals like LSM trees and B-trees.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize backend components in Rust and/or C++.
• Work on core database and storage engine internals.
• Collaborate to deliver high-performance, scalable data systems.

Skills

Backend systems or infrastructure engineering

Proficiency in Rust or C++

Understanding of database/storage internals

Distributed systems design

Comfortable in startup environments

Job description

About the Opportunity

We’re supporting a fast-moving startup that’s building advanced data products with a strong focus on speed, scalability, and reliability. They’re looking for a Backend Engineer who can dive deep into database internals and distributed systems, shaping the next generation of their platform. If you’re passionate about performance‑critical code and shipping features in an early‑stage environment with lots of autonomy — this one’s for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimise backend components in Rust and/or C++
• Work on core database and storage engine internals (query execution, on‑disk formats, caching, WAL, compaction, etc.)
• Collaborate with product and infrastructure teams to deliver high‑performance, scalable data systems
• Contribute to architectural decisions for distributed systems and backend infrastructure
• Balance speed and quality in a highly agile, low‑process environment

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of professional experience in backend systems or infrastructure engineering
• Strong proficiency in Rust or C++ with a focus on correctness, performance, and memory safety
• Deep understanding of database/storage internals (e.g. LSM trees, B‑trees, predicate pushdown, buffer pools, page caches)
• Experience with distributed systems design and data pipelines
• Comfortable navigating ambiguous requirements in a fast‑moving startup environment

Bonus Experience (Not Required)

• Exposure to Go or Swift in production systems
• Familiarity with infrastructure‑as‑code and cloud‑native deployments
• Experience with frontend technologies (TypeScript, Svelte, React, etc.) for occasional full stack collaboration