Software Engineer – SQL Full Time NEW

Confluent is a leading technology company dedicated to transforming how data moves across organizations and applications. Our mission is to enable companies to harness the power of real-time data streaming, making it accessible, reliable, and scalable. We develop a comprehensive data streaming platform that allows businesses to process and analyze data in motion, driving smarter decisions and innovative customer experiences. Our commitment to open-source contributions and community engagement positions us as industry leaders in stream processing and data infrastructure. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, Confluent fosters a dynamic environment where talented professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the world of data technology.

About The Role

Confluent is seeking an innovative and experienced Staff Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in advancing our core streaming platform, particularly focusing on enhancing the SQL capabilities of Apache Flink within Confluent Cloud. Your primary responsibility will be to develop and optimize components such as the logical query planner, parser, optimizer, and SQL runtime, ensuring an efficient and unified experience for both batch and streaming workloads. You will work alongside a team of Flink experts, iterating on existing implementations based on real-world usage data and product requirements. Additionally, your contributions will extend to open-source projects, where you will collaborate with the community to improve Apache Flink and promote best practices. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of stream processing technology while working in a collaborative, innovative environment that values continuous learning and mentorship.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant software development experience
• Deep expertise in database internals, especially query planning and optimization
• Extensive experience in designing and developing complex distributed systems
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Scala, or similar
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex requirements into effective solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Active involvement in stream processing communities, conferences, or industry networks
• Experience contributing to open-source projects, particularly Apache Flink or related technologies
• Familiarity with cloud-native architectures and streaming data platforms

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance Flink SQL components, including logical query planner, parser, optimizer, and SQL runtime on Confluent Cloud
• Ensure high code quality, comprehensive test coverage, and proper documentation for all developed components
• Design new features, draft technical designs, and facilitate stakeholder discussions to align on development goals
• Contribute to open-source Apache Flink by implementing features, reviewing pull requests, and participating in community discussions
• Engage in industry visibility activities such as writing blog posts, speaking at conferences, and participating in meetups
• Maintain and improve internal development processes, lead meetings, and take initiative to drive projects forward
• Mentor junior engineers and guide less experienced team members in Apache Flink and stream processing best practices
• Participate in on-call rotations to support platform stability and incident resolution

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from $230,800 to $271,200, with equity options
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Flexible remote work environment across the United States
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and development
• Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and community events
• Inclusive and collaborative company culture that values diversity and belonging

Equal Opportunity

Confluent is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and fairness. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds foster innovation and drive our success, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and join our team.