Senior Software Engineer, Query Optimization | MongoDB Jobs

The Briefed; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 273,000; Full time

Job summary

MongoDB is seeking a highly skilled Server Query Optimization engineer to help design and build a world-class distributed, open-source query optimizer. You will impact parsing, optimization, and plan selection across transactional, time-series, and analytical workloads.

Responsibilities include innovating in flexible-schema databases, researching cutting-edge query systems, leading strategy, and mentoring teammates while coordinating across a large codebase.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in data management systems or distributed backend engineering.
• Production-grade code with large user base and robust design.
• Degree in CS or equivalent; strong data structures and algorithms.
• Experience with C++ or other systems programming languages.

Responsibilities

• Innovate in flexible-schema databases and build a top-tier query optimizer.
• Research state-of-the-art query systems to inform design decisions.
• Provide technical vision and coordinate architecture plans.
• Lead and mentor team members while collaborating across teams.
• Design, implement, test, and support features for query performance and diagnostics.

Skills

C++

DB internals

Distributed systems

Data structures

Algorithms

Software architecture

Education

CS degree or equivalent

Job description

Join the MongoDB Server Query Optimization team to help build a world-class distributed, open-source query optimizer. The team owns the MongoDB Query Language and the lifecycle of each query, from parsing through optimization and plan selection. It is systematically rewriting every major component of its optimization and execution systems, with direct impact on transactional, time-series, and analytical workloads. You will help design and build the heart of a distributed, flexible-schema document database.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovate in flexible-schema databases and help build a world-class query optimization system
• Research state-of-the-art query systems to inform design decisions
• Provide technical vision and direction based on deep knowledge of the product and industry trends
• Set initiative-level strategy, architect plans, and lead the team toward successful execution
• Advise and partner with management on roadmap decisions, processes, and architectural designs
• Design, implement, test, and support features for query performance and robustness, query language enhancements, diagnostics, and integrations
• Coordinate changes with other engineers in a large, feature-rich codebase
• Work with client drivers, cloud services, enterprise tools, support, consulting, education, and marketing teams
• Mentor and coach team members and lead by example

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in data management systems, distributed systems, or large-scale backend engineering
• Experience building production-level code with a large user base, robust design, and rigorous code quality
• Degree in Computer Science or a similar field, or equivalent practical experience, with strong skills in data structures, algorithms, and software design
• Experience with large codebases in C++ or another systems programming language, including tracing defects, estimating complexity, and designing integration strategies
• Strong foundation in core database internals (query optimization experience is a bonus but not required)
• Backgrounds in compilers, language transpilers, or distributed storage systems are also welcome

Skills

Technical Skills

• C++ or another systems programming language
• Database internals and query optimization
• Distributed systems and data management
• Data structures, algorithms, and software architecture
• Compilers, transpilers, or distributed storage (a plus)

Soft Skills

• Technical leadership and strategic thinking
• Mentoring and coaching
• Cross-team collaboration
• Research and continuous learning

Job Details

• Location: Remote in the US or Canada (Eastern or Central time zones only)
• Work Mode: Remote
• Salary: $101,000 - $273,000 USD base (varies by skills, experience, qualifications, and location)

Success Measures

• 3 months: Contributed to a project for the next major version, fixed a few bugs in the latest stable release series, and learned MongoDB’s project lifecycle and long-term goals
• 6 months: Taken on code review responsibilities, helped draft and review feature designs, and presented a favorite paper or system architecture on query systems