Staff Software Engineer - Apache Spark

Cloudera; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 184,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO Policy

Flexible WFH Policy

Mental & Physical Wellness programs

Job summary

Cloudera is seeking a Staff Software Engineer with expertise in distributed systems to join the Apache Spark Team in Richmond, Virginia. In this role, you will work on innovative projects to enhance Cloudera’s Data Engineering Experience, contributing to open-source initiatives and solving large-scale challenges.

The ideal candidate will have a background in software development, particularly in Java and Scala, and experience with distributed systems design. This position includes a strong focus on collaboration and driving technology forward within the community.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience in professional software development.
• Proven experience leading technical initiatives and delivering complex product enhancements from concept to production.
• Strong proficiency in Java, Scala, or other JVM-based language.
• Solid experience in the design and development of distributed systems.
• Passion for clean coding and software quality.

Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and deliver next-generation features for Cloudera’s Data Engineering Experience.
• Be a core contributor to Apache Spark, shaping the future of distributed data processing.
• Develop high-performance features using modern technology stacks.
• Conduct root cause analysis and debug complex system-level issues.

Skills

Java

Scala

Distributed Systems

SQL Optimization

Clean Coding

Tools

Apache Spark

Apache Iceberg

Job description

Overview

At Cloudera, we empower people to transform complex data into clear and actionable insights. With as much data under management as the hyperscalers, we are the preferred data partner for the top companies in almost every industry. Powered by the relentless innovation of the open source community, Cloudera advances digital transformation for the world’s largest enterprises.

Business Area

Engineering

Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

Job Description

Cloudera is searching for a visionary Staff Software Engineer with deep expertise in distributed systems to join the Apache Spark Team. You will be at the forefront of innovation, building our next-generation enterprise-grade system designed to conquer data challenges at a massive scale—running Spark on thousands of nodes and crunching petabytes of data for the world’s largest companies. This is your chance to directly influence the open‑source community as a key contributor to Apache Spark while collaborating with a high‑impact, distributed team that includes multiple Spark committers. If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of distributed data processing, come build the impossible with us.

Responsibilities

• Pioneer Scalable Solutions: Architect, implement, and deliver next‑generation features for Cloudera’s Data Engineering Experience, operating at a massive scale on thousands of production nodes.
• Drive Open‑Source Innovation: Be a core contributor to Apache Spark, directly shaping the future of distributed data processing in the open‑source community.
• Build with Modern Stacks: Develop high‑performance features using Scala, Java, and Python on modern data platforms.
• Deepen Technical Mastery: Gain and apply expert‑level knowledge in core distributed data processing concepts, including:
  • SQL Planners and Optimizers
  • Data layout and modern table formats like Apache Parquet and Iceberg
  • Fault tolerance and resilience in large‑scale distributed systems.
• Own the Technology Stack: Develop a deep technical understanding of components across the Cloudera Data Engineering Experience, with a focus on Iceberg and Spark, applying this knowledge to your daily tasks.
• Conquer Large‑Scale Challenges: Work hands‑on with massive distributed systems, scaling from hundreds to thousands of nodes in live production clusters.
• Ensure System Integrity: Conduct thorough root cause analysis, debug complex system‑level deployment issues, and resolve failures to maintain high system quality.
• Enhance Engineering Velocity: Improve internal infrastructure and tooling to streamline development, testing, and deployment processes.
• Collaborate and Influence: Work closely with a high‑impact, distributed team and stakeholders to drive product vision and delivery.

Qualifications

• Professional Experience: 5‑7+ years of experience in professional software development.
• Leadership & Delivery: Proven experience leading technical initiatives and delivering complex product enhancements from concept to production.
• Core Languages: Strong proficiency in Java, Scala, or other JVM‑based language.
• Systems Expertise: Solid experience in the design and development of distributed systems.
• Engineering Excellence: Passion for clean coding, attention to detail, and a focus on software quality and maintainability.
• Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills for effective collaboration across a distributed team.
• Autonomy: Demonstrated ability to research, problem‑solve, and operate independently without constant supervision.
• Growth Mindset: An open‑minded approach with a desire to learn new technologies and an unwavering passion for building exceptional products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spark & Ecosystem Experience with using/developing Apache Spark, Apache Iceberg, or other related technologies.
• Distributed Systems Mastery: Deep experience with large‑scale, distributed systems design and development, including a strong understanding of scaling, performance optimization, and scheduling.
• SQL Expertise: Experience with SQL Planners and Optimizers.
• Open‑Source Contributions: Prior experience as a contributor to open‑source projects.

Why this role matters

You will tackle complex distributed systems challenges, crafting the foundational software for the control and data planes that powers CDP and keeps it running at massive scale. Working at the forefront of hybrid and multi‑cloud technology, you will empower data scientists, engineers, and analysts with the tools and infrastructure they need for advanced analytics and modeling.

Collaboration is key; you will work alongside brilliant minds across product, data science, and engineering to drive innovation, standardize best practices, and shape the future of enterprise AI and data platforms. This is your chance to build the future of data and see your work make a global impact.

Salary

California & Washington: $184,000 - $230,000 USD
Canada: $165,000 - $206,000 CAD
Salary will vary depending on your job‑related skills, experience and location.

Other Information

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Benefits

• Generous PTO Policy
• Support work life balance with Unplugged Days
• Flexible WFH Policy
• Mental & Physical Wellness programs
• Phone and Internet Reimbursement program
• Access to Continued Career Development
• Comprehensive Benefits and Competitive Packages
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Employee Resource Groups

EEO/VEVRAA