Principal Software Engineer, Percona
MySQL
+ Equity Incentive Plan
More information about location
Scaling, security, and management for OS databases
Be an early applicant
Scaling, security, and management for OS databases
201-500 employees
Be an early applicant
+ Equity Incentive Plan
More information about location
201-500 employees
Company mission
To help users get the most out of open-source technology, without inflated fees or lock-ins.
Role
Who you are
- Percona is seeking a Principal Software Engineer with deep expertise in MySQL internals — ideally in one or more of the following: the optimizer, InnoDB, or Group Replication
- This is a senior individual contributor role for an engineer who thrives on solving hard problems, is motivated by technical ownership, and is passionate about open-source innovation
- We are looking for someone who has a strong track record of developing new features, can deliver under tight deadlines, and is open to learning new technologies, including emerging areas like AI/ML integrations with databases
- A stable, high-speed internet connection is required
- 10+ years of hands-on C/C++ development experience, with at least 5 years working on database internals
- Deep understanding of MySQL internals, with specialization in at least one of:
- Query Optimizer
- InnoDB Storage Engine
- Group Replication
- Demonstrated history of shipping complex new features (not just bug fixes or backports)
- Experience delivering projects under tight deadlines while maintaining code quality
- Solid grasp of DBMS internal algorithms such as those used in query optimiser, B-tree indexing, multiversion concurrency control, ARIES crash recovery, and others
- Experience with high concurrency threading models, atomics, and locking primitives
- Knowledge of various programming and scripting languages such as BASH, Perl, and Python
- Proficiency with tools like gdb and strace
- Proficiency with git, github, and source code management methodologies
- Experience with client/server or distributed network communication systems
- Passion for clean code, performance tuning, and algorithmic efficiency
- Interest or experience in applying AI/ML concepts to databases or dev workflows (bonus)
- Familiarity with Linux internals, distributed systems, and threading/concurrency challenges
- Ability to work autonomously and mostly asynchronously with the rest of the team
- If you love the idea of working with a high-growth tech company that is one of the best in the business and known globally as a leader in the open-source database space, let’s talk!
Desirable
- Experience contributing to upstream MySQL or MariaDB
- Passion for finding and fixing tough issues on multi-threaded cluster solutions
- Previous experience in contributing to the MySQL codebase
- Knowledge of high-performance algorithms on modern multicore hardware
- Established history of driving performance enhancements
- Experience with Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery tools such as Jenkins, CircleCI, and Travis
- Experience/familiarity with various Linux distribution packaging systems
- Experience with virtualization and containment tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, etc
- Experience in Linux systems administration, including suitable expertise with file systems, hardware, and networking
- Success working in a distributed environment where e-mail, Slack, and voice calls are the only interactions with clients, colleagues, and managers daily
What the job involves
- You will work on the Percona Server for MySQL, Percona XtraBackup, Percona XtraDB Cluster and Oracle MySQL
- This is a remote role, allowing you to work from your home office while collaborating with a globally distributed team using modern online tools
- You’ll be part of a fast-paced, high-quality engineering environment focused on delivering value to Percona and its worldwide user base
- We offer flexible working hours, and provide the necessary equipment, including a laptop and internet access support
- Architect and develop cutting-edge features and improvements
- Lead key initiatives from concept to delivery with attention to quality, scalability, and performance
- Diagnose and resolve critical bugs in Percona Server for MySQL, Percona XtraBackup, Percona XtraDB Cluster and upstream MySQL products
- Collaborate with other seasoned engineers to push the boundaries of open-source database innovation
- Perform periodic source code merges from other open source repositories
- Stay ahead of the curve on AI, distributed systems, and cloud-native technologies — and help integrate these into Percona’s future roadmap
- Mentor other engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence
- Represent Percona in the open-source community by speaking, blogging, and contributing upstream
Our take
Open-source technology brings a range of benefits, from agility to cost-effectiveness, making it a prime target for businesses adding to their tech roster. However, they may find themselves forced into software, contracts or processes they neither need nor want, in order to gain access to those that they do. Percona provides unbiased, open-source database expertise, giving anyone, anywhere access to the tools necessary to turn their ideas into a viable business.
Percona was founded in 2006 to support consumers and users in the open-source community. It is now a leader in providing enterprise-class support, services and software for open-source databases, both in on-premises and cloud environments. The company accommodates growth and development by deploying agile solutions to keep its clients moving at the pace of their customers’ needs. Clients pay for the advice and expertise provided, rather than for the company to unlock critical software features.
Percona employs a global network of experts and boasts an impressive customer list with high renewal rates. The company continues to update and add to its product offerings and is committed to keeping its software free to download.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
-3% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (1 round)
Jan 2008
$1m
GRANT
Total funding: $1m
Company HQ
Bull Durham, Durham, NC
Leadership
Ann Schlemmer
(CEO)Joined Percona in 2013 and held various roles before becoming CEO in 2022. Prior to Percona, they were part of the MySQL Professional Services team at Sun Microsystems and Oracle.
Bennie Grant
(COO)They have over 15 years of Professional Services, Support and Operational Delivery experience. Prior to joining Percona, they opened US operations for Mettoni (acquired by Enghouse Interactive), where they held Senior Services and Operational Leadership positions.
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