Senior Software Engineer - Observe by Snowflake, Indexing and Query Execution

SnowflakeToday

Location

CH-Zurich-MSO

Type

Full Time

Salary

CHF 176,000 – 253,000

Level

Senior

Role

Senior Software Engineer

Posted

Apr 30, 2026

Full TimeSenior

The role

Summary

Snowflake is seeking a Senior Software Engineer for its Observe platform, focusing on query execution and performance optimization. The role involves deep technical expertise in distributed systems, database performance, and query execution mechanics, with a critical focus on improving query latency, caching strategies, and system-wide performance improvements.

What you'll do

Query Execution Service Ownership: Manage and evolve the query execution service, including query caching, incremental execution, and query optimization strategies

Performance Analysis: Systematically analyze large volumes of user and system-generated queries to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks

Customer Performance Support: Investigate and resolve customer-reported query latency issues, acting as a first responder during critical evaluations

System Optimization: Develop and implement automated tuning of system parameters to reduce query execution times and operational costs

Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with Snowflake engineering and product teams to advocate for platform improvements and drive technical solutions

What we look for

Technical

Distributed SystemsMinimum 5+ years of experience building and working with distributed systems architecture

Query Execution ExpertiseDeep hands-on experience with query planning, caching, rewrite rules, and execution engines

Performance DiagnosticsProven ability to diagnose and resolve database performance issues at scale

Education

Computer Science DegreeBachelor's degree required; Advanced degree preferred, especially with focus on databases or systems

Experience

Systems PerformanceExtensive experience in analyzing and optimizing backend infrastructure and system performance

Complex System AdaptationAbility to rapidly onboard to complex, unfamiliar systems and deliver meaningful improvements

Skills

Required skills

Distributed SystemsIn-depth knowledge of distributed systems architecture and backend infrastructure

Performance OptimizationAdvanced skills in systematic query performance analysis and optimization

Technical CommunicationStrong ability to communicate complex technical concepts with internal and external stakeholders

Nice to have

Cloud Data WarehousesExperience with Snowflake or similar cloud data warehouse platforms

Query OptimizationBackground in OLAP query optimization, columnar storage, or vectorized execution

Observability PlatformsPrior work on monitoring, telemetry, or observability platforms

Compensation & benefits

Salary

CHF 176,000 – 253,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Innovative Work Environment

Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI-powered observability platform

High-Impact Role

Significant ownership and ability to drive platform improvements

Global Reach

Work with a leading global data platform with startup-style velocity

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Review of candidate's background and alignment with role requirements
2
Technical Interview — Deep dive into distributed systems, query execution, and performance optimization expertise
3
System Design Challenge — Assess candidate's ability to design and optimize complex query execution systems
4
Final Interview — Meeting with engineering leadership to evaluate technical skills and cultural fit