Senior Staff Software Engineer - App and Partner Ecosystem

Databricks; Washington; On-site; USD 217,000 - 299,000; Full time

Job summary

Databricks is seeking a Senior Staff Software Engineer to define the vision, architecture, and strategy for its ecosystem. You will enable customers to integrate cutting-edge applications, help developers flourish on the Databricks platform, and shape the future of data and AI.

You will lead cross-team efforts, mentor engineers, and collaborate with product, engineering, and business development to ensure the ecosystem aligns with strategic goals and open-source engagement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience building data-intensive applications or systems.
• Strong expertise in database systems (SQL, NoSQL, OLAP/OLTP) and big data processing (Spark, Flink).
• Experience designing high-performance APIs (REST, GraphQL, gRPC) and managing integrations.
• Deep knowledge of data security, governance, and compliance (RBAC, GDPR, HIPAA).
• Experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP), Kubernetes, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong leadership and ability to mentor engineers across teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the ecosystem strategy for Databricks and related platform growth.
• Develop frameworks, APIs, and tools for partners and developers to build, integrate, and scale applications within the Databricks ecosystem.
• Enable customers to integrate cutting-edge applications and functionalities to differentiate their AI and data capabilities.
• Lead and mentor engineers, guiding architectural direction and fostering innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and business development to align roadmaps with business goals.
• Engage with open-source communities and represent Databricks at industry events to influence the ecosystem.

Skills

Data-intensive apps

Big data processing

Database systems

APIs: REST GraphQL gRPC

Open-source & communities

Leadership

Tools

REST APIs

GraphQL

gRPC

Kubernetes

Terraform

CI/CD

Job description

RDQ126R35

About Databricks

At Databricks, we empower data teams to solve the world’s toughest challenges—from security threat detection to cancer drug development. Our mission is to build the best data and AI infrastructure platform, enabling our customers to focus on innovation.

Our engineering teams push the boundaries of data and AI technology while ensuring our platform operates with the resilience, security, and scale that businesses need to succeed.

About the Role

We are developing a growing ecosystem of applications and partners on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform. Our team creates frameworks, tools, and best practices to enable seamless integrations, helping developers and partners build impactful solutions.

As a Senior Staff Software Engineer, you will define the vision, architecture, and strategy for this ecosystem. You will play a key role in enabling customers to integrate cutting‑edge applications, helping developers thrive on Databricks, and shaping the future of data and AI platforms.

Your Impact

• Define and drive the ecosystem strategy for Databricks, a crucial pillar of our platform growth. Shape how applications and integrations enhance the Databricks experience for developers, partners, and customers.

• Develop frameworks, APIs, and tools that make it seamless for partners and developers to build, integrate, and scale applications within the Databricks ecosystem.

• Enable customers to integrate cutting‑edge applications and specialized functionalities, helping them drive competitive differentiation and expand their AI and data capabilities.

• Lead and mentor engineers across teams, providing technical guidance, architectural direction, and career development support. Foster a culture of innovation, best practices, and knowledge sharing.

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with product, engineering, and business development teams to align technical roadmaps with strategic business goals.

• Engage with open‑source communities and advocate for best practices in application development, data processing, and ecosystem enablement.

• Represent Databricks at industry events and conferences, influencing the broader data and AI landscape while engaging with partners, customers, and developers to shape the future of our platform.

What We’re Looking For

• Deep passion for and knowledge of the broad data and AI industry. Experience contributing to open‑source projects and engaging with developer communities is a plus.

• 10+ years of experience building data-intensive applications or systems. Strong expertise in database systems (SQL, NoSQL, OLAP/OLTP) and big data processing (Apache Spark™, Flink). Experience designing high‑performance APIs (REST, GraphQL, gRPC) and managing integrations.

• Strong understanding of data security, governance, and compliance frameworks (RBAC, GDPR, HIPAA), as well as cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP), Kubernetes, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines.

• Strong leadership skills with experience driving cross‑functional and cross‑organizational (e.g. external partners) initiatives.

• Ability to mentor engineers, influence architectural decisions, and advocate for best practices.

• Excellent communication skills to evangelize Databricks' ecosystem vision internally and externally.

• Bias for action and commitment to delivering high‑quality solutions.

Join us in shaping the future of the Databricks ecosystem and enabling the next generation of data and AI innovation.

Pay Range Transparency

Databricks is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The pay range(s) for this role is listed below and represents the expected salary range for non-commissionable roles or on‑target earnings for commissionable roles. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job‑related skills, depth of experience, relevant certifications and training, and specific work location. Based on the factors above, Databricks anticipates utilizing the full width of the range. The total compensation package for this position may also include eligibility for annual performance bonus, equity, and the benefits listed above. For more information regarding which range your location is in visit our page here.

Zone 2 Pay Range

$217,100—$298,550 USD

About Databricks

Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 20,000 organizations worldwide — including adidas, AT&T, Bayer, Block, Mastercard, Rivian, Unilever, and 70% of the Fortune 500 — rely on the Databricks Data + AI Platform to build and scale data and AI apps, analytics and agents. Headquartered in San Francisco with 30+ offices around the globe, Databricks offers a unified platform that includes Genie, Lakebase, Agent Bricks, Lakeflow, Lakehouse, and Unity Catalog. To learn more, follow Databricks on LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

Benefits

At Databricks, we strive to provide comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all of our employees. For specific details on the benefits offered in your region click here.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Databricks, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can excel. We take great care to ensure that our hiring practices are inclusive and meet equal employment opportunity standards. Individuals looking for employment at Databricks are considered without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio‑economic status, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

Compliance

If access to export‑controlled technology or source code is required for performance of job duties, it is within Employer's discretion whether to apply for a U.S. government license for such positions, and Employer may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.