Software Engineer

Software Engineer, CassandraNetApp is pioneering StorageGRID object storage—AWS cloud-compatible software that helps power the exponential growth of AI data lakes. As a Software Engineer, Cassandra at the MTS 4 level, you will focus primarily on Java-based Cassandra development for the distributed database layer that underpins StorageGRID metadata services, scale-out reliability, upgradeability, and enterprise customer workloads. This role is ideal for an experienced hands-on engineer who enjoys working deep in distributed systems, database internals, open-source technologies, product integration, performance, and reliability engineering within a mission-critical object storage product.Role OverviewAs a Software Engineer, Cassandra on the StorageGRID team, you will operate as a strong independent contributor focused primarily on Java Cassandra development. You will design and implement Cassandra-related features, improve product integration, and strengthen scale, upgrade, and operational behavior for enterprise deployments. At the Software Engineer level, the role requires strong technical depth, end-to-end ownership, sound design judgment, and the ability to influence peers through high-quality code, thoughtful reviews, and clear technical communication.Job ResponsibilitiesStorageGRID Cassandra Development & Feature OwnershipDesign and implement Java-based Cassandra features and improvements with end-to-end ownershipTranslate product, scale, upgrade, supportability, and customer requirements into clear Cassandra technical designsMake sound trade-offs across availability, data protection, consistency, performance, maintainability, and operational simplicity in large-scale distributed database systemsCassandra Internals & StorageGRID IntegrationDevelop high-quality, efficient, and maintainable code in Java and related database/system technologiesTroubleshoot complex StorageGRID issues involving Cassandra storage, compaction, repair, replication, consistency, node lifecycle, and cluster behaviorBuild deep expertise in how Cassandra supports StorageGRID metadata, availability, and customer operationsArchitecture Contribution & Technical LeadershipParticipate in Cassandra and StorageGRID design reviews and propose improvements to database architecture, product integration, and operational behaviorInfluence component-level design in areas such as metadata services, observability, repair, upgradeability, node lifecycle, and cluster operationsOpen-Source & Community-Aware DevelopmentApply practical knowledge of open-source development models, code review practices, issue tracking, and community-driven engineering workflowsWork with upstream-style development expectations, including clear design rationale, high-quality patches, maintainable tests, and constructive technical discussionBalance product needs with broader distributed database ecosystem considerations while following company contribution, legal, and compliance processesProduct Engineering & Customer-Focused ExecutionDeliver Cassandra changes that meet StorageGRID product requirements and release-quality standardsContribute to code reviews, issue triage, root-cause analysis, and test strategy for Cassandra-related StorageGRID workScalability, Performance & ReliabilityOptimize Cassandra for StorageGRID scale, throughput, resiliency, node expansion, and failure recoveryLead performance analysis, benchmarking, capacity planning, and system tuning across StorageGRID Cassandra deploymentsImprove diagnostics, fault tolerance, upgrade safety, and operational debuggability for Cassandra within StorageGRIDExecution & DeliveryDrive medium-to-large Cassandra initiatives from design through implementation, validation, and release readinessIdentify risks, dependencies, and technical trade-offs early, and communicate clearly with stakeholdersCollaboration & Cross-Functional WorkCollaborate closely with the existing senior Cassandra developer, StorageGRID engineering, QA, product management, supportability, support, and field teamsProvide backup support for Cassandra orchestration, troubleshooting, testing, supportability, and release readiness workflows as neededJob Requirements8–12 years of experience in backend, systems, database, storage, or distributed systems engineeringStrong programming skills in Java, with experience in Python, Go, C/C++, or similar languages a plusHands-on experience with Apache Cassandra or comparable distributed database / NoSQL systems, preferably at the internals or platform integration levelPractical knowledge of open-source development practices, including code reviews, design discussions, patch quality, testing expectations, and community collaborationSolid understanding of replication, consistency, partitioning, failure handling, node lifecycle, and cluster coordinationExperience designing and debugging complex software systems in Linux-based, scale-out, or storage-oriented environmentsAbility to independently drive feature development, technical investigations, root-cause analysis, and problem resolutionStrong communication skills with the ability to write clear designs, explain trade-offs, and collaborate across distributed teamsPreferred QualificationsDeep experience with Cassandra internals such as storage engine, compaction, repair, indexing, schema evolution, upgrades, or release managementExperience integrating Cassandra or similar distributed databases into enterprise storage, object storage, cloud, or scale-out infrastructure productsExperience with performance optimization, benchmarking, observability, and large-scale production troubleshootingExperience contributing to or working with open-source database, storage, or distributed systems projectsFamiliarity with StorageGRID, object storage concepts, S3, Kubernetes, containerized services, CI/CD pipelines, and modern development workflowsExposure to AI-assisted development tools and workflows for code generation, review, debugging, testing, or documentationEducationBachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experienceCompensation: The target salary range for this position is 170,000 - 253,000 USD. The salary offered will be determined by the candidate's location, qualifications, experience, and education and may be outside of this range. The range is based on 'On Target Earnings' (OTE) representing the total potential earnings, which is the sum of the base salary and potential commission earned when performance targets are achieved. Final compensation packages are competitive and in line with industry standards, reflecting a variety of factors, and include a comprehensive benefits package. This may cover Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Retirement or Pension Plans, Paid Time Off, various Leave options, employee stock purchase plan, and/or restricted stocks (RSU's). These offerings are subject to regional variations and governed by local laws, regulations, and company policies. We will provide detailed information about the specific benefits for your region during the recruitment process.