Principal Software Engineer - Postgres

About the Role

ClickHouse is expanding its capabilities in the database systems domain, building next-generation infrastructure that redefines performance, scalability, and developer experience. We're looking for a Principal Engineer with deep expertise in systems programming and database internals — particularly Postgres — to help us push boundaries in how databases are built and operated at scale. This is a strategic and high-impact role for an engineer who can work independently across complex technical areas: from storage and performance optimization to distributed coordination and extension development. You'll shape critical components of our data platform, mentor other engineers, and drive architectural direction for systems that serve massive workloads.

What You'll Do

• Lead design and implementation of advanced systems features across areas like storage, replication, query execution, and performance optimization.
• Contribute to and extend Postgres internals — improving reliability, scalability, and efficiency.
• Prototype and build extensions that expand Postgres's core capabilities and integrate with cloud-native infrastructure.
• Collaborate with product, infrastructure, and cloud platform teams to deliver robust, developer-friendly experiences.
• Profile and optimize database performance using low-level instrumentation and benchmarking.
• Provide technical leadership, set standards for engineering excellence, and mentor senior engineers.
• Operate with significant autonomy and ownership — driving projects from concept to production.

About You

• 10+ years of experience building systems software in C/C++ or Rust (Go experience a plus).
• Deep knowledge of PostgreSQL or other database engine internals, including storage, execution, or replication subsystems.
• Strong understanding of concurrency, operating systems, and performance engineering.
• Proven ability to ship large-scale systems or core infrastructure features end-to-end.
• Experience contributing to open-source databases or similar complex systems is highly desirable.
• Pragmatic problem solver with a bias for simplicity and measurable impact.
• Thrives in a high-autonomy, high-velocity environment.

Why Join Us

• Work on foundational database technologies at the intersection of performance, reliability, and usability.
• Shape the future of Postgres-based systems and cloud data infrastructure.
• Operate with autonomy in a small, high-talent team that values depth, craftsmanship, and impact.
• Contribute to an ambitious vision: making data systems faster, simpler, and more powerful for developers everywhere.

Pay

The typical starting salary for this role in the US is $215,000—$250,000 USD. The typical starting salary for this role in US Premium Markets is $220,000—$260,000 USD. For roles based in the United States, the typical starting salary range for this position is listed above. In certain locations, such as the San Francisco Bay Area and the New York City Metro Area, a premium market range may apply, as listed. These salary ranges reflect what we reasonably and in good faith believe to be the minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation may be higher or lower than the amounts listed, and the ranges may be subject to future adjustments. An individual's placement within the range will depend on various factors, including (but not limited to) education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, location, performance, and the needs of the business or organization. If you have any questions or comments about compensation as a candidate, please get in touch with us at paytransparency@clickhouse.com.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment - ClickHouse is a globally distributed company and remote-friendly. We currently operate in over 20 countries.
• Healthcare - Employer contributions towards your healthcare.
• Equity in the company - Every new team member who joins our company receives stock options.
• Time off - Flexible time off in the US, generous entitlement in other countries.
• A $500 Home office setup if you're a remote employee.
• Global Gatherings – We believe in the power of in-person connection and offer opportunities to engage with colleagues at company-wide offsites.
• Culture - We All Shape It As part of a rapidly scaling start up, you will be instrumental in shaping our culture. Are you interested in finding out more about our culture? Learn more about our values here. Check out our blog posts or follow us on LinkedIn to find out more about what's happening at ClickHouse.