Software Engineer II - Query Processing

Ocient; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocient is seeking a Software Engineer II for the Query Processing team. This remote US‑based role focuses on parsing, validating, optimizing, and executing SQL across large-scale data workloads.

You will work with QA, Test Infra, and Customer Ops to improve performance and reliability, solving complex distributed systems problems. Ideal candidates have strong OO language skills (C++, Java, C#) and Python experience, plus a solid foundation in data structures, algorithms, and Linux development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in computer science, computer engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years writing object‑oriented code (C++, Java, C#, etc.).
• 1+ years Python or similar language in test infra, plus performance measurement in compiled languages.
• Strong data structures and algorithms knowledge.
• Experience testing performance of data warehouses / analytics engines preferred.
• Linux development in large version‑controlled projects.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to improving query processing efficiency through design, implementation and performance analysis across the system.
• Participate in code reviews and design discussions with peers.
• Bring curiosity and research mindset to improve system performance and reliability.
• Assist in triage and debugging in production and test environments; contribute to root cause analysis.
• Help improve team processes and culture with feedback and collaboration.
• Support growth of fellow engineers through pairing and knowledge sharing.

Skills

C++/Java/C#

Python

Performance analysis

Distributed systems

Education

BS/MS/PhD in CS

Job description

Software Engineer II - Query Processing

Location: 100% Remote (US Based Only)

• We cannot sponsor or transfer any visas, of any kind, at this time*

Hiring Manager: Senior Engineering Manager

Estimated salary range: $145,000 to $165,000

• The salary offered for this position will be based on a candidate's experience and skill demonstrated during interviews and other evaluations

Job Description:

The Query Processing team at Ocient handles the full landscape of parsing, validating, optimizing and executing SQL queries. The team ensures queries are correct and valid, the SQL is lowered into an optimal, executable representation, and the resulting plan is efficiently executed over petabytes of data across tens to hundreds of nodes. Query Processing works closely with our Test Infrastructure, Quality Assurance and Customer Operations teams to evaluate and improve performance on existing and new customer workloads, while also implementing new functionality to enable customer success.We are seeking a software engineer with strong interests in performance optimization and analysis - someone who enjoys analytical thinking and tackling abstract problems in the context of distributed database systems.

What You'll Work On:

• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of query processing efficiency through collaboration on design, implementation, and performance analysis across the system
• Actively participate in code reviews and design discussions, offering constructive feedback and learning from peers
• Demonstrate curiosity and have a penchant for research and abstract thinking, bringing in novel ideas, tools, or techniques to improve system performance and reliability
• Help triage and debug issues found in both production and test environments, contributing to root cause analysis and resolution
• Engage in improving team processes and culture by sharing feedback and contributing to a positive, inclusive work environment
• Support the growth of fellow engineers through collaboration, pairing, and knowledge sharing

Ideal Qualifications:

• BS, MS, or PhD in computer science, computer engineering, or related technical field
• 2+ years of industry experience writing code to solve complex problems using an object-oriented programming language (e.g. C++, Java, C#)
• 1+ years work experience as a Software Engineer working in Python or similar test infrastructure language, and experience measuring performance in compiled languages
• Strong understanding and application of data structures and algorithms.
• Direct experience with testing performance of data warehouses and data analytics engines preferred
• Experience developing on Linux and in large, version-controlled projects
• Ability to speak and write in English fluently