Senior Software Development Engineer - Data Cloud

Workday; United States; Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 285,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan

Stock grants

Job summary

Workday, Inc. is looking for a Data Platform Engineer to advance the Data Cloud and its distributed ingestion, transaction and query processing engines. You will work with a top-tier team to design scalable features and optimize performance for large-scale data.

You will implement algorithms for fast, efficient transactions in a multi-tenant cloud, collaborate across the engineering team, and contribute to a culture of integrity and curiosity. The role supports flexible in-person/remote work.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in Java/Scala/C++/Go/Rust and related languages.
• 3+ years in database internals, distributed systems or JVM performance tuning.
• Bachelor's or MS in Computer Science or related field.
• Experience with distributed data processing engines and data management systems.

Responsibilities

• Build and enhance Workday's Data Cloud within the Data Platform Engineering org.
• Architect and implement features in ingestion, transaction and query engines.
• Develop algorithms for fast, efficient transactions and queries on large-scale data in a multi-tenant cloud.

Skills

Java

Scala

C++

Go

Rust

Distributed systems

SQL

Data warehousing

JVM tuning

Cloud/SaaS

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field

MS in CS or related field

Tools

Kubernetes

Apache Spark

Spark SQL

Apache Iceberg

Apache Polaris

Trino

MySQL

PostgreSQL

DuckDB

Job description

Your work days are brighter here.

We're obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we're shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you'll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We're in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you'll do meaningful work with Workmates who've got your back. In return, we'll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you've found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.

About the Team

The Data Cloud organization is at the forefront of Workday's next major wave of innovation, driven by a bold mandate to build the industry's first true Platform for Agents. We are a high-energy, ambitious team that balances Workday's deep foundational expertise with fresh, forward-thinking perspectives to accelerate our pace of delivery and unlock massive new commercial value. By leveraging Workday's unique business context, trusted data, and identity guardrails, we are building the critical engine that will power the future of AI and agentic workflows across the enterprise.

About the Role

As part of Workday's Data Platform Engineering org, you will be responsible for building and enhancing Workday's Data Cloud. You will work with a top-notch team to architect and build features in our distributed ingestion, transaction and query processing engines. You will be responsible for developing algorithms and techniques for supporting fast, efficient transactions and queries over large scale data, in a multi-tenanted cloud environment.

About You

You are an engineer who takes pride in your work. Furthermore, you:

• Understand the importance of doing what is right for the customer
• Are passionate about software development and think and code in terms of well-defined abstractions
• Enjoy coming up with novel solutions and can clearly articulate their value to stakeholders
• Are excited about working as part of an engineering team
• Have a strong interest in learning about and developing data management and distributed data processing systems and algorithms
• Are a fast learner who enjoys exploring new technical areas, languages, and frameworks

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years using any of the following programming languages: Java, Scala, C++, Go, or Rust
• 3+ years development experience in relevant domain areas (e.g. database internals, distributed system application, JVM performance tuning, Cloud/SaaS Services, etc.)
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or relevant field or MS in Computer Science or a relevant field

Other Qualifications

• Background in data warehousing, database system internals and/or distributed systems
• Expertise in distributed data processing engines or data management systems
• A strong understanding of SQL
• Experience with one or more of: Kubernetes, Apache Spark and Spark SQL internals, Apache Iceberg and zero-copy architectures, Apache Polaris, Trino, MySql, PostgreSQL, DuckDB

Workday Pay Transparency Statement

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate's compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things. For more information regarding Workday's comprehensive benefits, please click here .

Primary Location: USA.CA.Pleasanton

Primary Location Base Pay Range: $190,100 USD - $285,100 USD

Additional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $160,100 USD - $285,100 USD

Our Approach to Flexible Work

With Flex Work, we're combining the best of both worlds: in-person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in-office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to c