Sr Software Engineer -Public Sector

Databricks; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 155,900 - 214,400; Full time

Job summary

Databricks is seeking a Software Engineer for its Public Sector team based in McLean, Virginia. This role involves core backend engineering for the Data Intelligence Platform, addressing high-scale infrastructure challenges with a focus on performance optimization and security. Candidates should have a strong background in distributed systems and be capable of holding a TS/SCI security clearance. The salary range for this position is $155,900—$214,400 USD, with comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional software development experience.
• Deep understanding of distributed systems, concurrency, and performance optimization.
• Strong production-level experience in at least one of Java, Scala, Go, or C++.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement highly available backend services.
• Solve complex architectural trade-offs to ensure platform resilience.
• Drive 'zero-waste' compute initiatives for optimized performance.

Skills

Distributed Systems

Performance Optimization

Java

Scala

Go

C++

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

The Role

At Databricks, we don’t just build software for the cloud; we are "cloud maximalists." We run our platform across every region of every major cloud provider (AWS, Azure, and GCP) simultaneously, creating a unique technical surface area. As a Software Engineer on our Public Sector team, you will be responsible for core backend engineering that allows our Data Intelligence Platform for the Public Sector to operate at massive scale within sovereign and air‑gapped cloud environments.
We are looking for world‑class Software Engineers to join our core Backend Engineering teams. You will design, build, and scale the distributed systems that power one of the largest data and AI infrastructures in the world. You will tackle high‑scale infrastructure challenges where "zero‑waste" compute efficiency and 100% system resilience are mandatory. From optimizing massive data storage layers to architecting low‑latency microservices that must function in disconnected regions, you will own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of mission‑critical code.

The Impact You’ll Have

• Architect Scalable Systems: Design and implement highly available backend services using Scala, Java, Go, C++/C or similar.
• Distributed Systems Engineering: Design and implement highly scalable backend services in Java, Scala, or Go that power our Data Intelligence Platform across sovereign and air‑gapped clouds.
• Infrastructure at Scale: Solve complex architectural trade‑offs around concurrency, storage, and networking to ensure the platform remains resilient in high‑consequence public sector environments.
• Performance Optimization: Drive "zero‑waste" compute initiatives, optimizing our engine and services to perform in resource‑constrained or specialized regions (e.g., GovCloud).
• Security & Reliability: Partner with Production Engineering to ensure all backend services meet the highest security standards and compliance guardrails while maintaining high availability.

What We Look For

• Required: Candidates must be eligible for a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
• Nice to have: Possession of a current polygraph (Counterintelligence or Full Scope) is highly desired and considered a significant plus.
• Technical Breadth: BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or a related field.
• Experience: 6+ years of professional software development experience.
• Systems Expertise: Deep understanding of Distributed Systems, concurrency, and performance optimization.
• Language Proficiency: Strong production‑level experience in at least one of: Java, Scala, Go, or C++.
• Cloud Experience: Experience building and deploying large‑scale SaaS or cloud‑native applications.

Pay Range Transparency

Local Pay Range: $155,900—$214,400 USD.

Databricks is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The pay range represents the expected salary range for non‑commissionable roles or on‑target earnings for commissionable roles. Compensation packages are based on several factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job‑related skills, depth of experience, relevant certifications, and specific work location. The total compensation package may also include eligibility for annual performance bonus, equity, and the benefits offered in your region.

Benefits

Databricks provides comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all employees. For specific details on the benefits offered in your region, please consult the internal benefits portal.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

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 seeking employment 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.