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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer - **Company:** Motherduck Corporation - **Location:** New York, NY, United States - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Databases, Software Debugging, Distributed Systems, Open Source Technology, Performance Tuning, Cloud Platform System, Database Performance, Indexer, Backend, Functional Dependencies, Front End Software Development - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/software-engineer-database-motherduck-8909287 ## About the Role * You're fluent in a backend language like C++, Rust, Java, or similar systems languages, and you're comfortable working close to the metal. (C++ and Rust are the biggest plus here, and we love a great Java engineer too.) * A good foundation in query engines, execution plans, indexing, and performance optimization techniques. * Hands-on experience with DuckDB is a huge plus, no matter what level you're coming in at. * You've worked with cloud infrastructure, networking, and building low-latency distributed systems. * You can scope and lead projects that span multiple collaborators and cross-functional dependencies. * You take pride in clear thinking, careful design, and thoughtful tradeoffs. * You're comfortable mentoring peers and helping build a collaborative, high-agency environment. * You enjoy engaging with the wider community, whether that's open-source conversations or working directly with DuckDB Labs. ## Description * Own major projects in our dual execution stack, so DuckDB can process queries seamlessly whether they're running locally or in the cloud. * Help build a cloud platform that dynamically assigns resources, so DuckDB stays efficient whether someone's running a tiny workload or pushing our biggest, highest-memory instances. * Lead cross-functional work with our frontend, platform, and infrastructure teams to keep the user experience coherent end to end. * Push the state of the art in embedded database performance, distributed execution, and DuckDB internals. * Deepen your DuckDB expertise and share it with the rest of the company through mentorship and documentation. * Work directly with our support team to debug issues, learn from real usage patterns, and prioritize the improvements that matter most. * Improve systems holistically... spotting architectural challenges early and clearing bottlenecks before they become problems. * Mentor teammates and help raise the bar for engineering practices across the team. * Work closely with DuckDB Labs (which grew out of the Database Architectures group at CWI, where vectorized execution and DuckDB were born) to help align on APIs and shape where DuckDB goes next. ## Related Videos - [Optimizing Discovery: PostgreSQL's Role in Transforming GetYourGuide's Search](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1647-optimizing-discovery-postgresql-s-role-in-transforming-getyourguide-s-search) - [Developing the Backend with Stefan Lingler, CTO at Shpock](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100360-developing-the-backend-with-stefan-lingler-cto-at-shpock) - [Kubernetes and Microservices with Multi-Model Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/382-kubernetes-and-microservices-with-multi-model-databases) - [How building an industry DBMS differs from building a research one](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/768-how-building-an-industry-dbms-differs-from-building-a-research-one) - [Meet Your New BFF: Backend to Frontend without the Duct Tape](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/682-meet-your-new-bff-backend-to-frontend-without-the-duct-tape) - [Dynamic Entities in .NET: Building Low-Code Systems on Top of Entity Framework Core](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100218-dynamic-entities-in-net-building-low-code-systems-on-top-of-entity-framework-core) ## Related Articles - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Why developer experience matters](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/514-why-developer-experience-matters) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline)