Principal Engineer, Postgres Internals

Postgres
UNITED STATES
October 24, 2026
Full Time
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Job Description

Company: ClickHouse
Location: Remote
Workplace Type: Remote
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

ClickHouse is expanding its capabilities in the database systems domain, building next-generation infrastructure that redefines performance, scalability, and developer experience. We are looking for a Principal Engineer with deep expertise in systems programming and database internals—particularly PostgreSQL—to help push boundaries in how databases are built and operated at scale. This is a strategic and high-impact role driving architectural direction across storage, performance optimization, distributed coordination, and extension development.

What You’ll Do / Key Responsibilities

  • Lead Core Systems Design: Design and implement advanced systems features across storage, replication, query execution, and performance optimization.
  • Extend PostgreSQL Internals: Contribute directly to and extend PostgreSQL internals to improve system reliability, scalability, and efficiency.
  • Build Extension Ecosystems: Prototype and build extensions that expand PostgreSQL core capabilities and integrate with cloud-native infrastructure.
  • Performance Engineering: Profile and optimize database performance using low-level instrumentation and rigorous benchmarking.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product, infrastructure, and cloud platform teams to deliver robust, developer-friendly data platform experiences.
  • Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide technical direction, establish standards for engineering excellence, and mentor senior engineers.

Requirements & Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience building systems software in C/C++ or Rust (Go experience is a plus).
  • PostgreSQL Engine Expertise: Deep knowledge of PostgreSQL or database engine internals, including storage, execution, or replication subsystems.
  • Core Systems Foundations: Strong understanding of concurrency, operating systems, and low-level performance engineering.
  • Track Record: Proven ability to ship large-scale systems or core infrastructure features end-to-end.

Preferred / Bonus Qualifications (if applicable)

  • Open-Source Contributions: Direct experience contributing to open-source databases (especially PostgreSQL) or similar complex infrastructure projects.

Benefits & Perks (if applicable)

  • Flexible Remote Work: Globally distributed, remote-friendly workplace operating across 25+ countries.
  • Company Equity: Equity stock option grants for all new team members.
  • Healthcare: Generous employer contributions toward healthcare.
  • Home Office Allowance: $500 USD allowance for home office setup.
  • Time Off: Flexible time off policies.
  • Global Gatherings: Company-wide offsites and in-person team connection opportunities.

ClickHouse provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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