Staff Database Engineer, MAX Digital

Staff Engineer, Database

If you are looking for a career at a dynamic company with a people-first mindset and a deep culture of growth and autonomy, ACV is the right place for you! Competitive compensation packages and learning and development opportunities, ACV has what you need to advance to the next level in your career. We will continue to raise the bar every day by investing in our people and technology to help our customers succeed. We hire people who share our passion, bring innovative ideas to the table, and enjoy a collaborative atmosphere.

ACV is a technology company that has revolutionized how dealers buy and sell cars online. We are transforming the automotive industry. ACV Auctions Inc. (ACV), has applied innovation and user-designed, data driven applications and solutions. We are building the most trusted and efficient digital marketplace with data solutions for sourcing, selling and managing used vehicles with transparency and comprehensive insights that were once unimaginable. We are disruptors of the industry and we want you to join us on our journey. Our network of brands include ACV Auctions, ACV Transportation, ClearCar, MAX Digital and ACV Capital within its Marketplace Products, as well as, True360 and Data Services. At ACV we focus on the Health, Physical, Financial, Social and Emotional Wellness of our Teammates and, to support this, we offer:

• Multiple medical plans including a high deductible, low cost health plan
• Company-sponsored (paid) Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Comprehensive optional benefits such as Dental, Vision, Supplemental Life/AD&D, Legal/ID Protection, and Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Generous paid time off options, including uncapped vacation days, the greater of 3 paid sick days or in accordance with the applicable state or local paid sick leave law, 6 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays, parental leave, bereavement leave, jury duty leave, voting leave, and other forms of paid leave as required by applicable law or regulation
• Employee Stock Purchase Program with additional opportunities to earn stock in the Company
• Retirement planning through the Company's 401(k)

ACV Auctions is looking for a Staff Engineer, Database to join our ACV MAX Engineering team and lead the evolution of the data platform behind our SaaS product, MAX Digital. This role will focus on the design, optimization, and modernization of transactional and analytical data systems, including SQL Server–based platforms, synchronization workflows, and cross-system data integration patterns.

The ideal candidate has a strong track record of technical leadership in complex data environments, with deep expertise in SQL Server, data modeling, performance tuning, and scalable platform design. They should also bring experience modernizing legacy data architectures and defining practical approaches for data pipelines, orchestration, and system integration while preserving the reliability of business-critical systems.

What you will do:

• Lead the architectural design and technical decision-making process for core data platform components, including SQL Server systems, data models, synchronization patterns, and cross-system data workflows, ensuring alignment with product goals and engineering standards.
• Design, develop, and implement complex features and enhancements within SQL Server and MongoDB, considering performance, scalability, and security aspects.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and other engineers to define requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, providing technical expertise, code reviews, and best practices to foster professional growth.
• Evaluate SQL and MongoDB environments and produce/execute plans to evolve the data architecture/infrastructure of our platform, ensuring that development engineers can work easily and effectively.
• Lead the evaluation and modernization of legacy ETL-style, batch, and synchronization workflows that support core business operations.
• Define scalable approaches for data pipeline architecture and orchestration that improve observability, supportability, recoverability, and operational resilience.
• Partner with application, product, and analytics teams to improve how transactional systems, analytical systems, and downstream integrations exchange data, reducing reliance on tightly coupled legacy database-driven workflows where appropriate.
• Standardize patterns for data synchronization, transformation, validation, and downstream delivery across shared platform components.
• Drive performance optimization efforts across both operational and batch-oriented workloads, including query tuning, indexing strategy, workload analysis, and data lifecycle considerations.
• Investigate and resolve complex technical issues, applying a systematic approach to troubleshooting and debugging.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to ensure robust testing strategies, including unit, integration, and performance testing.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, and apply this knowledge to improve the SQL Server product.
• Participate in cross-functional collaboration with teams such as documentation, support, and customer engagement to address customer needs effectively.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

What you will need:

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• BS in Computer Science or related technical discipline or equivalent practical experience required. Advanced degrees are a plus.
• 10+ years' professional experience in software engineering with deep Microsoft SQL Server expertise; experience with PostgreSQL and MongoDB is a plus
• Strong proficiency in database internals, query optimization, and performance tuning.
• Deep expertise in SQL/T-SQL programming, database design principles, and data modeling.
• Solid understanding of SaaS, distributed systems, scalability, and high availability concepts.
• Experience with Python, C/C++, C#, or other relevant programming languages.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing complex software features with a focus on quality, maintainability, and performance.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex technical challenges.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Previous experience in a technical leadership or mentoring role is highly desirable.
• Microsoft certifications related to SQL Server are a plus.
• Experience designing, implementing, or modernizing ETL/ELT workflows, batch processing, synchronization services, or application-integrated data pipelines.

Our Values

Trust & Transparency | People First | Positive Experiences | Calm Persistence | Never Settling

At ACV, we are committed to an inclusive culture in which every individual is welcomed and empowered to celebrate their true selves. We achieve this by fostering a work environment of acceptance and understanding that is free from discrimination. ACV is committed to being an equal opportunity employer regardless of sex, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, national origin, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, military status, status as a veteran, or any other protected characteristic. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires reasonable accommodation, please let us know.

For information on our collection and use of your personal information, please see our Privacy Notice.

No immigration or work visa sponsorship provided for this position.

Compensation : The compensation range for this position is listed in the "Job Details" section at the bottom of this posting. Please note that final compensation will be determined based upon the applicant's relevant experience, skill set, location, business needs, market demands, and other factors as permitted by law.