Senior Backend Engineer (Distributed Systems and SQL Query Engines)

On behalf of our client, we are looking for a Senior Backend Engineer (Distributed Systems and SQL Query Engines).

About the Role:
You will help develop and extend a distributed SQL query-processing platform, building backend services that integrate analytical database engines, route queries, and ensure reliable execution across different environments.
The company is considering candidates with expertise in either Google BigQuery/GCP or Databricks/Spark. Experience with both platforms is not required.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop distributed backend services.
• Build integrations with BigQuery or Databricks.
• Contribute to intelligent SQL query-routing functionality.
• Work on compatibility and reliability across analytical database engines.
• Improve query execution workflows and failure handling.
• Collaborate with the engineering team on architecture and platform improvements.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in Backend/Software Engineering.
• 1+ year of experience with Distributed Systems.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with either Google BigQuery/GCP or Databricks/Spark/Lakehouse.
• 2+ years of experience with SQL dialects, query processing, and analytical database engine integration.
• Strong experience building reliable and scalable distributed services.
• Solid understanding of concurrency, fault tolerance, and error handling.
• Strong SQL skills and understanding of analytical database engines.
• Familiarity with SQL dialect differences and engine-specific behavior.
• Experience working with analytical workloads and data-processing platforms.
• Availability to work until 11 AM PST.

Nice to Have:

• Python development experience.
• Experience with SQL parsing, AST manipulation, or query planning.
• Knowledge of database and query engine internals.
• Experience with Apache Arrow, Iceberg, or Delta Lake.
• Experience with query routing, SQL gateways, or database proxy development.
• Experience with Snowflake, DuckDB, or ClickHouse.
• Previous experience migrating analytical workloads between database engines.

Company offers:

• Long-term employment with possibilities for professional growth
• Fully remote work
• Reasonably flexible schedule
• 15 days of paid vacation
• Regular performance reviews