Staff Software Engineer, Big Data Storage

Pinterest; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 177,185 - 364,795; Full time

Job summary

Pinterest is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to build the next generation of its big data storage platform. You will work on exciting technologies like Apache Iceberg at exabyte scale, leading design and implementation of scalable storage systems and collaborating with teams across data, ML/AI, and infrastructure.

Your experience should include 8+ years in distributed systems and building metadata management capabilities. The role requires in-office collaboration 1-2 times quarterly and offers a salary range of $177,185 — $364,795.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant industry experience designing and building large scale production distributed systems.
• Experience building scalable storage and metadata infrastructure for analytics workloads.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize Pinterest's exabyte-scale data lake storage platform.
• Lead complex technical projects from architecture through execution.

Skills

Distributed systems design

Scalable storage infrastructure

Big data technologies (Apache Iceberg, Spark)

Collaboration and communication

Programming languages (Java, Scala, Python)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Job description

We're looking for a Staff Software Engineer to help build the next generation of Pinterest's big data storage platform. You'll work on some of the most exciting big data open source technologies – especially Apache Iceberg – at exabyte scale to power the data infrastructure that helps Pinners discover and do what they love.

As a Staff Software Engineer, you'll serve as a technical leader and hands‑on contributor, designing and building highly scalable storage systems for Pinterest's data lake. You'll partner closely with teams across data, ML/AI, analytics, and infrastructure to evolve our storage and metadata management capabilities, enabling efficient, reliable, and governed access to data at massive scale.

What you'll do:

• Design, implement, and optimize Pinterest's exabyte‑scale data lake storage platform.
• Lead complex technical projects and initiatives for data lake storage and metadata management, driving them from architecture through execution.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and partner teams across the organization to design storage and metadata layer technologies that unlock big data and ML/AI innovations.
• Build storage capabilities that efficiently support large‑scale ML/AI workloads, including high‑throughput data access, schema evolution, and large‑scale column backfills.
• Shape the long‑term technical direction for scalable, reliable, and efficient big data storage systems.
• Engage with and contribute to open source communities such as Apache Iceberg, Spark, and Flink to help address Pinterest's scaling challenges.

What we're looking for:

• 8+ years of relevant industry experience designing and building large‑scale production distributed systems.
• Strong experience designing and maintaining scalable storage, metadata, or data lake infrastructure.
• Experience building storage capabilities for large‑scale ML/AI or analytics workloads, including high‑throughput data access, schema evolution, and large‑scale column backfills.
• Deep knowledge with building distributed systems, data storage systems, and production infrastructure.
• Experience with big data technologies such as Apache Iceberg, Spark, Flink, Presto/Trino, Hive, or similar systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Java, Scala, or Python.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical initiatives and influence architecture across teams.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and problem‑solving skills, with a drive for technical excellence and innovation.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, or equivalent experience.

In‑Office Requirement Statement:

• We let the type of work you do guide the collaboration style. That means we're not always working in an office, but we continue to gather for key moments of collaboration and connection.
• This role will need to be in the office for in‑person collaboration 1–2 times/quarter and therefore can be situated anywhere in the country.

Relocation Statement:

• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance. Visit our PinFlex page to learn more about our working model.

Base Salary Range: $177,185 — $364,795 USD

US based applicants only.

By submitting this application, I certify that all information submitted in my application and throughout the hiring process is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statement, omission, or misrepresentation may disqualify me from employment consideration or result in termination if discovered after hire.

Pinterest is an equal‑opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or other protected classes as defined by applicable law.