Staff Software Engineer – Apache Iceberg

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential enterprise data platform organization in their search for a Staff Software Engineer with deep expertise in Apache Iceberg. Our client is at the forefront of big data innovation, managing petabyte-scale datasets for Fortune 500 companies across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

This is a rare opportunity to become a core contributor to the Apache Iceberg open-source community while architecting solutions that power data processing for some of the world's largest enterprises. You'll work on distributed systems spanning hundreds to thousands of nodes in production, directly influencing the evolution of modern data lake technology.

Responsibilities

• Drive technical contributions to Apache Iceberg as a core open-source committer, defining the future of modern data lakes
• Perform low-level coding of Iceberg library internals with the ability to upstream contributions back to the Apache project
• Implement performance improvements across multiple query engines by developing new Iceberg features and collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Architect and scale systems managing petabyte-sized datasets across multi-cloud production environments
• Partner with product managers and customers to identify and implement improvements for modern data lake architectures
• Develop new features in Java on modern distributed platforms
• Debug complex system-level deployment issues, conduct root cause analysis, and resolve production failures
• Collaborate with international and virtual teams across engineering, product, and data science

What We're Looking For

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent with 7+ years of experience; OR Master's degree with 5+ years; OR PhD with 3+ years
• Proven hands-on programming skills with solid data structures and algorithms foundation
• Demonstrated experience in systems design and development
• Strong understanding of at least one of the following: Java, Scala, C++, or Python, with willingness to learn new languages
• Passion for clean code, attention to detail, and focus on quality
• Strong ability to research and solve complex problems independently
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across distributed teams
• Open-minded attitude with desire to learn and build great products

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using or developing Apache Iceberg or related table format technologies
• Background in distributed computing or high availability systems
• Active contributions to open-source projects
• Experience with SQL optimization, query plan analysis, or implementing engine optimizations

How We Work With You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our talent team will conduct an initial screening to understand your background and ensure alignment with the role requirements. Once qualified, we submit your profile to our client for consideration. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly, as all communication should flow through our recruiting team to ensure a smooth process.

Pay

This position is based in the United States. Compensation details will be discussed with qualified candidates during the screening process.

Benefits include: Generous PTO policy, flexible work-from-home arrangements, mental and physical wellness programs, phone and internet reimbursement, continued career development opportunities, comprehensive benefits packages, paid volunteer time, and employee resource groups.

Note: This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.