Senior Software Engineer - Distributed Data Systems
Databricks · Bellevue, WA
- On site
- Full-time
- $213,800 / year
- Bellevue, WA
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Senior Software Engineer - Distributed Data Systems
Databricks · Bellevue, WA
Dana Walsh
Hiring Manager · h•••••@databricks.com
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Subject: Interested in the Senior Software Engineer - Distributed Data Systems role at Databricks
Hi Dana — I came across the Senior Software Engineer - Distributed Data Systems opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Databricks stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Build next-gen distributed data systems.
- Work on Apache Spark, Delta Lake, and more.
- Solve complex data and AI infrastructure challenges.
- Requires 5+ years in Java, Scala, or C++.
- Focus on customer value and impact.
About the role
About Databricks and Our Mission
Databricks is driven by a passion for empowering data teams to tackle the world's most challenging problems, from advancing transportation to accelerating medical discoveries. We achieve this by developing and operating the premier data and AI infrastructure platform, enabling our customers to leverage profound data insights for business enhancement. Founded by engineers with a deep customer focus, we embrace technical challenges, from creating next-generation UI/UX for data interaction to scaling our services and infrastructure across millions of virtual machines. Our journey is just beginning.The Role: Building Next-Generation Distributed Data Systems
Modern data analysis utilizes advanced methods like machine learning, surpassing traditional SQL query engines. As a Software Engineer on the Runtime team at Databricks, you will architect and build the future of distributed data storage and processing systems. These systems will not only outperform specialized SQL query engines in relational query performance but also offer the expressiveness and programming abstractions needed for diverse workloads, from ETL to data science.Example Projects You Could Contribute To
- Apache Spark™: Develop the leading open-source framework for big data processing.
- Data Plane Storage: Build reliable, high-performance services and client libraries for accessing massive datasets on cloud storage (e.g., AWS S3, Azure Blob Store).
- Delta Lake: Enhance a storage management system that merges the scalability and cost-efficiency of data lakes with the performance and reliability of data warehouses and the low latency of streaming. Its advanced features like ACID transactions and time travel simplify complex data engineering architectures.
- Delta Pipelines: Create a system to simplify the orchestration and operation of tens of thousands of data pipelines, offering higher-level abstractions for deployment, testing, and upgrades, thereby reducing operational burdens.
- Performance Engineering: Develop the next generation of query optimizers and execution engines that are fast, require minimal tuning, are scalable, and robust.
What We Look For in a Senior Software Engineer
- BS (or higher) in Computer Science, a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Ability to work towards a multi-year vision with defined incremental deliverables.
- Motivated by delivering tangible customer value and impact.
- 5+ years of production-level experience in Java, Scala, or C++.
- Strong foundation in algorithms and data structures, with practical application knowledge.
- Experience with distributed systems, databases, and big data technologies (e.g., Apache Spark, Hadoop).
Key skills/competency
- Senior Software Engineer
- Distributed Systems
- Data Processing
- Apache Spark
- Delta Lake
- Database Systems
- Performance Engineering
- Algorithms
- Data Structures
- Java/Scala/C++
Skills & topics
- Senior Software Engineer
- Distributed Systems
- Data Engineering
- Apache Spark
- Delta Lake
- Big Data
- Cloud Computing
- Software Development
- Java
- Scala
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience with distributed systems, big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop), and languages like Java, Scala, or C++. Quantify your achievements.
- Showcase your passion for impact: Emphasize your motivation for delivering customer value and your ability to work towards long-term technical visions in your application and interviews.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Brush up on algorithms, data structures, and distributed systems concepts. Be ready to discuss your production-level experience with large-scale systems.
- Understand Databricks' culture: Research their mission, values, and the impact of their Data Intelligence Platform on global organizations.
Technical preparation
Master distributed systems design principles.,Practice algorithm and data structure problems.,Build projects using Spark or similar frameworks.,Prepare for coding interviews in Java/Scala/C++.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex technical challenge overcome.,How do you approach long-term project vision?,Give an example of delivering customer value.,How do you collaborate in a fast-paced environment?
Prefer to apply the usual way?
Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back. Email the hiring manager first.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key technologies used by the Runtime team at Databricks for the Senior Software Engineer role?
- The Senior Software Engineer role on the Runtime team at Databricks involves working with core technologies such as Apache Spark, Delta Lake, and other distributed data storage and processing systems. Proficiency in Java, Scala, or C++ is essential, along with a strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and distributed systems principles.
- What kind of problems does a Senior Software Engineer on the Databricks Runtime team solve?
- This role focuses on building the next generation of distributed data storage and processing systems. You will tackle challenges related to outperforming specialized SQL query engines, supporting diverse workloads (ETL, data science), and enhancing systems like Apache Spark, Data Plane Storage, Delta Lake, and Delta Pipelines for scalability and performance.
- What is the expected experience level for the Senior Software Engineer position at Databricks?
- Databricks looks for candidates with a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. A minimum of 5 years of production-level experience in Java, Scala, or C++ is required, along with a strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and distributed systems.
- How does Databricks approach compensation for the Senior Software Engineer role?
- Databricks is committed to fair compensation. The pay range for this Senior Software Engineer role is $157,700—$213,800 USD. Actual compensation is determined by factors like skills, experience, location, and may include performance bonuses and equity.
- What is the work arrangement for the Senior Software Engineer position at Databricks?
- While the job description doesn't explicitly state the work arrangement, roles at Databricks often involve a hybrid or remote setup, depending on the specific team and location. Candidates are encouraged to inquire about the work arrangement during the application process.