Senior Software Engineer, Query Optimization
MongoDB, Austin +3
- Pay
- $101K–$273K / year
- Work type
- Remote
- Level
- Senior
- Area
- Software engineering
- Posted
- Aug 7, 2026
About the role
Join the MongoDB Server Query Optimization team, and help us build a world-class distributed open-source query optimizer. Our team plays a crucial role in the experience and performance of data processing. We are responsible for the MongoDB Query Language and the lifecycle of each query, through parsing, optimization and plan selection.
We have tons of interesting problems to solve with a direct impact on users for transactional, time-series, and analytical workloads. The team is endeavoring to systematically rewrite every major component of our optimization and execution systems. We need your help to design and build the heart of a distributed, flexible schema, document database.
This role can be based remotely in the U.S. or Canada, limited to Eastern or Central time zones only.
Candidate Profile
- 5+ years of experience in data management systems, distributed systems, or large-scale backend engineering
- Experience with building production-level code with a large user base, robust design structure and rigorous code quality
- Degree in Computer Science or similar field, or equivalent practical experience, with strong competencies in data structures, algorithms, and software design/architecture
- Experience with large code bases written in C++ or another systems programming language. You'll need to trace down defects, estimate work complexity, and design evolution and integration strategies as we rewrite different components of the system
- A strong foundation in core database internals is essential. While direct experience in query optimization is a massive bonus, it is not a prerequisite. We are also excited to meet candidates with strong backgrounds in compilers, language transpilers, or distributed storage systems
Position Expectations
- Innovate in the area of flexible schema databases. Help us build a world-class query optimization system
- Research state-of-the art query systems to inform our design
- Leverage deep knowledge of the strength and weakness of the product and of industry trends to provide technical vision and direction
- Set initiative level strategy, architect plans, and lead the team towards successful execution
- Advise and partner with management on roadmap decisions, processes, and architectural designs
- Identify, design, implement, test, and support new features related to query performance and robustness, query language enhancements, diagnostics, and integration with other products and tools
- Work with other engineers to coordinate seamless changes in a feature-rich, large code base
- Work with other teams including client drivers, cloud services, enterprise tools, support, consulting, education, and marketing to coordinate changes or contribute to their projects
- Influence and grow team members through active mentoring, coaching and leading by example
Success Measures
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Listed on MongoDB's Greenhouse job board; checked 24 h ago. First seen by us 24 h ago. Being listed doesn't mean the team is actively interviewing. We found this board in a public directory and haven't yet confirmed it against the company's own careers page.