> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2708690-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2708690-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Software Engineer

- **Company:** Planetscale Inc.
- **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $120,000.0 - $290,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Clean Code Principles, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, C++ (Programming Language), Databases, Software Debugging, Distributed Systems, Python (Programming Language), PostgreSQL, MySQL, Performance Tuning, Query Optimization, Software Engineering, Database Engines, Google Cloud, Cloud Platform System, Backend
- **Published:** September 4, 2026
- **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/software-engineer-sharded-postgres-neki-planetscale-9679531

## About the Role

* You are passionate about building high-quality, scalable systems and take pride in writing clean, maintainable code.
 * You have strong experience with distributed systems, databases, and performance optimization.
 * You are comfortable working with large codebases and can quickly understand and contribute to complex systems.
 * You thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy mentoring junior engineers.
 * You have excellent problem-solving skills and can debug complex issues across multiple systems.
 * You are self-motivated and can work independently with minimal guidance while making sound technical decisions., * 5+ years of software engineering experience with a focus on backend systems, database engines, query planners, etc.
 * Strong proficiency in Go, with experience in other languages like Python or C++
 * Experience with not just operating, but developing PostgreSQL, MySQL or other databases
 * Experience building and operating distributed systems at scale, * Experience with database internals, query optimization, or distributed consensus algorithms
 * Contributions to open-source projects, especially in the database or infrastructure space
 * Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
 * Knowledge of monitoring, observability, and debugging tools
 * Previous experience at a high-growth technology company

## Description

* You will work on building the best solution for sharded Postgres, a project we're calling Neki: https://www.neki.dev/
 * You will design and build critical systems that power PlanetScale's database platform, serving millions of queries per second for some of the world's largest applications.
 * You will collaborate with a team of expert engineers to solve complex distributed systems challenges.
 * You will work independently to solve engineering and business problems with little direction and high autonomy.
 * You will work directly with customers to understand their needs and translate them into robust technical solutions.


## Related Videos

- [MySQL Protocol Features You Should Be Aware Of](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100267-mysql-protocol-features-you-should-be-aware-of)
- [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)
- [Kubernetes and Microservices with Multi-Model Databases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/382-kubernetes-and-microservices-with-multi-model-databases)
- [Developing the Backend with Stefan Lingler, CTO at Shpock](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100360-developing-the-backend-with-stefan-lingler-cto-at-shpock)
- [Branch your database like your code:  How schema changes and pull requests go hand in hand](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/350-branch-your-database-like-your-code-how-schema-changes-and-pull-requests-go-hand-in-hand)
- [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)

## Related Articles

- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [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)
- [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)
- [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026)
- [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)