Develop and optimize SQL query processing for a distributed database operating across petabytes of data and hundreds of nodes. Responsibilities include parsing, validation, optimization, execution, performance analysis, debugging, code reviews, design discussions, testing, and collaboration with engineering and customer operations teams. The role also supports process improvement, knowledge sharing, and mentoring fellow engineers.
About Ocient:
Ocient is building OcientAIQ™ – a complete ecosystem for delivering trusted agentic AI solutions at petabyte scale, for the organizations that can't afford to get AI wrong. Our customers protect networks, secure nations, and power the global economy. The problems we solve are genuinely hard, and the work matters.
Founded in 2016 by the team that built Cleversafe (acquired by IBM in 2015), Ocient is headquartered in Chicago with a remote-first global team. We are a carbon-neutral company backed by leading investors including Greycroft, OCA Ventures, In-Q-Tel, and Buoyant Ventures.
Job Title: 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
Interview Requirements: All interviews are conducted via video and require candidates to have their camera on for the duration of the session. The use of video filters, face-altering effects, or virtual backgrounds is not permitted for security and verification purposes.
We are not open to using an agency or staffing company at this time. We do not accept unsolicited agency or staffing resumes and we are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Ocient is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, parental status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please contact [email protected] for more information.
All official Ocient job postings and recruiting communications will come directly from our team via our Careers page, LinkedIn, or from an ocient.com email address. If you receive communication about a role from any other source, please treat it with caution and direct questions to [email protected].
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