Principal Software Engineer - Postgres

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’re looking for a Principal Engineer with deep expertise in systems programming and database internals — particularly Postgres — to help us push boundaries in how databases are built and operated at scale. This is a strategic and high-impact role for an engineer who can work independently across complex technical areas: from storage and performance optimization to distributed coordination and extension development. You’ll shape critical components of our data platform, mentor other engineers, and drive architectural direction for systems that serve massive workloads. WHAT YOU’LL DO - Lead design and implementation of advanced systems features across areas like storage, replication, query execution, and performance optimization. - Contribute to and extend Postgres internals — improving reliability, scalability, and efficiency. - Prototype and build extensions that expand Postgres’s core capabilities and integrate with cloud-native infrastructure. - Collaborate with product, infrastructure, and cloud platform teams to deliver robust, developer-friendly experiences. - Profile and optimize database performance using low-level instrumentation and benchmarking. - Provide technical leadership, set standards for engineering excellence, and mentor senior engineers. - Operate with significant autonomy and ownership — driving projects from concept to production. ABOUT YOU - 10+ years of experience building systems software in C/C++ or Rust (Go experience a plus). - Deep knowledge of PostgreSQL or other database engine internals, including storage, execution, or replication subsystems. - Strong understanding of concurrency, operating systems, and performance engineering. - Proven ability to ship large-scale systems or core infrastructure features end-to-end. - Experience contributing to open-source databases or similar complex systems is highly desirable. - Pragmatic problem solver with a bias for simplicity and measurable impact. - Thrives in a high-autonomy, high-velocity environment. WHY JOIN US - Work on foundational database technologies at the intersection of performance, reliability, and usability. - Shape the future of Postgres-based systems and cloud data infrastructure. - Operate with autonomy in a small, high-talent team that values depth, craftsmanship, and impact. - Contribute to an ambitious vision: making data systems faster, simpler, and more powerful for developers everywhere. #LI-remote PERKS - Flexible work environment - ClickHouse is a globally distributed company and remote-friendly. We currently operate in over 25 countries. - Healthcare - Employer contributions towards your healthcare. - Equity in the company - Every new team member who joins our company receives stock options. - Time off - Flexible time off in the US, generous entitlement in other countries. - A USD$500 Home office setup if you’re a remote employee. - Global Gatherings – We believe in the power of in-person connection and offer opportunities to engage with colleagues at company-wide offsites. CULTURE - WE ALL SHAPE IT As part of a rapidly scaling start-up, you will be instrumental in shaping our culture. Are you interested in finding out more about our culture? Learn more about our values here https://clickhouse.com/company/careers. Check out our blog posts https://clickhouse.com/blog or follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/clickhouseinc/life/0c1ee7f4-2129-488d-b413-e7f6270659fd/?viewAsMember=true to find out more about what’s happening at ClickHouse. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & PRIVACY ClickHouse provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on factors such as 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 federal, state or local laws. Please see here https://clickhouse.com/legal/applicant-privacy-notice for our Privacy Statement.