Staff Software Engineer – Apache Iceberg

Cloudera

Staff Engineer focusing on Apache Iceberg, contributing to open-source data lake solutions for Cloudera. Engaging in performance improvement and modern data architecture tasks with distributed systems expertise.

Posted 6/4/2026full-timeRemote • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $184,000 - $230,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ApacheDistributed SystemsJavaPythonScala

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive the future of data architecture by becoming a core contributor to Apache Iceberg, the open-source project defining modern data lakes.
Bring performance improvements to all of the engines in the Cloudera stack, by implementing new features in Iceberg and working with other teams to leverage them during queries.
Work with Product Managers and Customers to determine ways Iceberg can be improved for Modern Data Lakes.
Develop new features in Java on a modern platforms
Gain a solid understanding and deep technical knowledge of components across the Cloudera stack, but focusing on Iceberg, which you can utilize in your daily tasks.
Get to work on massive-scale distributed systems, spanning from 100s to 1000s of nodes in production clusters, leveraging Iceberg's capabilities for handling PB-scale data architectures.
Debug system level deployment issues, root cause analysis, perform system test analysis and resolve failures.
Collaborate with other team members and stakeholders.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent, and 6+ years of experience; OR Master’s degree and 4-6 years of experience; OR PhD and 2-4 years of experience
Hands-on programmer with solid data-structures and algorithms
Experience with systems design, development
Strong understanding of at least one of the following languages: Java, Scala, C++, Python. And interested to learn the languages we’re using.
Passionate about programming, clean coding habits, attention to detail, and focus on quality
Strong ability to research and solve problems independently without constant supervision
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an international and virtual team
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Open-minded attitude, desire to learn new things and build great products

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous PTO Policy
Support work life balance with Unplugged Days
Flexible WFH Policy
Mental & Physical Wellness programs
Phone and Internet Reimbursement program
Access to Continued Career Development
Comprehensive Benefits and Competitive Packages
Paid Volunteer Time
Employee Resource Groups

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

JavaScalaC++Pythondata structuresalgorithmssystems designperformance improvementsdebuggingroot cause analysis

Soft Skills

attention to detailproblem solvingindependent workteam collaborationcommunicationopen-mindednessdesire to learnclean coding habitsfocus on qualitypassion for programming

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer ScienceMaster’s degreePhD