Distinguished Systems Developer - SQL Engine

AtInterSystems, we’re redefining the future of analytics and intelligent data platforms. Our high-performance, hyper-capacity engine supports amulti-model storage layer—blending structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data—to power a new generation ofAI-native and real-time workloads.

We believe in technicalcraftsmanship, deepcollaboration, and a culture where ambitious people can build bold systems. The SQL Engine group is the nerve center of our product—wherequery processing meets distributed intelligence. We consider engineering a science, an art, and a craft, and we cultivate an environment where the most talented minds can thrive, innovate, and make a lasting impact.

This is your chance to design the core foundations of a data platform trusted by the world's most mission critical systems and AI research teams.

What You’ll Do

As a Distinguished Developer in the SQL Engine group, you'll help build thenext-generation query processing stack, optimizing across both traditional analytics and emerging AI-driven workloads. You’ll contribute to:

• Query parsing, validation, and transformation
• Logical/physical optimization over multi-model data (row, columnar, stream, document, vector)
• Plan generation and adaptive execution strategies
• Code generation and vectorized execution
• Compiler-accelerated storage access patterns for AI workflows
• Collaborative integration with our multi-model storage engine

You’ll designdata processing abstractions and execution enginesthat enableAI-native featureslike fast vector search, graph traversal, and probabilistic joins—all within a familiar SQL interface.

Your Impact

• Architect and implementquery optimization and execution componentsthat scale across petabytes
• Design tooling and frameworks that makeAI and analytics convergence seamless
• Collaborate with platform and storage teams to leveragemulti-model indexing and caching strategies
• Contribute to buildingprogrammable, intelligent data pipelinesthat drive downstream ML model performance
• Mentor engineers, guide technical debates, and influence long-term system direction
• Champion a culture ofquality, rigor, and innovation

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ yearsof experience in systems-level or database internals engineering
• Proven expertise inSQL query engines,optimizers,execution runtimes, ordata compiler toolchains
• Experience withmulti-model data systems(SQL + JSON, vector search, graph traversal)
• Expert in at least onesystems programming languages, or LLVM-based codegen environments
• Strong grasp ofrelational algebra,compiler construction, anddata-intensive workloads
• Familiarity withAI infrastructure or ML inference pipelinesis a strong plus
• Experience using AI-assisted tools (e.g. copilots, summarisation tools, or chatbots) with an ability to critically evaluate and verify AI-generated outputs
• Demonstrated ability to learn, evaluate, adapt to, propose and implement AI-augmented workflows in order to continually enhance your own, and the team’s productivity
• Passion for designing software that balancesperformance, correctness, and usability
• PHD degreeor published research experience is highly advantageous.

Our Engineering Culture

• Innovation is expected: Engineers propose, prototype, and lead from the front
• Excellence over ego: Code is debated, ideas are tested, and the best ones win
• Long-term vision: We optimize for architectural clarity and product longevity
• Cross-domain thinking: We solve storage, processing, and AI problems together
• Sane pace, deep focus: We value craft, creativity, and time to do both well

Ready to Build What’s Next?

If you dream of working ondeep query systems, lovesystems-level programming, and want to help create a platform that bridgesSQL, multi-model data, and AI—we’d love to talk.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression or any other legally protected category. InterSystems is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.

InterSystems is providing a current good faith estimate of the anticipated base salary range for this position depending on a variety of factors including experience, education, skills, and performance.

Other compensation may include a discretionary annual variable target incentive.

The company also provides generous employee benefits including:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance
• 401(k) Profit Sharing Contribution
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement

The estimated base compensation range for this role is: $144,000—$205,000 USD

About InterSystems

InterSystems, a creative data technology provider, delivers a unified foundation for next-generation applications for healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and supply chain customers in more than 80 countries. Our data platforms solve interoperability, speed, and scalability problems for large organizations around the globe to unlock the power of data and allow people to perceive data in imaginative ways. Established in 1978, InterSystems is committed to excellence through its 24×7 support for customers and partners around the world. Privately held and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, InterSystems has 38 offices in 28 countries worldwide. For more information, please visitInterSystems.com.

AI Disclaimer

InterSystems may use AI tools for its internal operations including administrative tasks during recruitment (e.g., organizing candidate information). InterSystems’ approach to AI is guided by theInterSystems Responsible AI Guidelines. AI is not used to make or influence hiring decisions. All decisions are made by InterSystems employees.

Candidates may use AI for CV or interview preparation, provided materials are truthful and reflect their own experience. AI tools and third-party transcription services must not be used during interviews or assessments.

Please note that the use of wearable technology, including any AI-related tools or other technology-connected devices (such as META or Google smart glasses and/or wearables, and/or any similar devices), isstrictly prohibitedduring the interview and screening process with InterSystems. Any applicant who requires a wearable device or any type of technology support during the interview process as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA or applicable state or country laws and regulations must contact the InterSystems Human Resources Departmentpriorto attending or participating in any interview or screening process.