Software Engineer - Backend
About MotherDuck
Differentiated by its quirky name, MotherDuck aims to revolutionize data warehousing for developers and data practitioners. We are building a cloud-hosted version of DuckDB, a high-performance query engine, in collaboration with its creators. Our team combines expertise from various industries, including data engineering, software development, and more. We are seeking Backend Engineers to contribute to the development of our cloud-based platform.
What You’ll Do
- Design and implement scalable backend services using Go, TypeScript, and C++
- Build and evolve critical systems related to metadata, authentication, access control, query lifecycle, and file visibility
- Optimize for performance, reliability, and maintainability through careful design and operational rigor
- Collaborate with other engineers on architectural decisions and technical direction
- Investigate and resolve production issues and participate in a customer support or production oncall rotation
- Work closely with product and frontend teams to ensure backend systems enable complete and cohesive user experiences
What We’re Looking For
- Hands-on experience with distributed systems, preferably using Go, C++, or similar languages
- A strong understanding of performance, latency, and fault tolerance in real-world production environments
- Familiarity with API design, observability practices, and production debugging
- A product-focused mindset and a willingness to dive into unfamiliar areas when needed
- The ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and collaborate across teams
Example Projects
- Implement new database semantics to enable customer usage patterns
- Improve storage performance by developing and tuning caching layers
- Optimize compute provisioning to ensure no noisy neighbors impact customers while keeping infrastructure costs low
What People Should Be Saying
- "Their code made our queries run faster without anyone asking for it."
- "They spotted and fixed a tricky bug before it ever hit production."
- "Our backend is easier to understand because of their clear designs and documentation."
- "They built a feature that just works... and keeps working."
- "They think about the edge cases the rest of us forget."
What We Provide
- Feather-ruffling compensation – competitive salary and stock options
- Top-notch healthcare coverage – 100% paid medical, dental, and vision for employees, plus 80% coverage for dependents
- Flexible PTO – take the time you need to recharge, explore, or just have a lazy day by the pond
- 401k plan – because even ducks need to plan for the future
- Hybrid work environment – spend most of the week in the office collaborating with the flock, and work from wherever you're most productive the rest of the time
Our Process
- Round 1: Interview with our Talent Partner (30min)
- Round 2: Technical Screen with one of our Tech Leads (30min)
- Round 3: 4 meetings with members of the team (60min each)
- Round 4: Values interview with our CEO/Founder (45min)
Please Apply
If this role sounds appealing to you, but you’re missing some of the requirements or don’t quite think you’re qualified, please apply anyway. Research has shown that underrepresented groups in technology often shy away from roles which aren’t a 100% match. We aim to build a diverse team and will strongly consider applicants who bring many of the requirements plus have other experiences which round out their qualifications.
About MotherDuck
MotherDuck is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. MotherDuck is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and mental disabilities.
Compensation Range
$140K - $250K