Staff Software Engineer - Applied Performance Group

Snowflake4 months ago

Location

US-CA-Menlo Park

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 236,000 – 339,200

Level

Staff

Role

Staff Software Engineer

Posted

Oct 31, 2025

Full TimeStaff

The role

Summary

Snowflake is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to join their Applied Performance Group (APG), a strategic team that bridges engineering, sales, and support organizations. The role involves solving challenging customer performance issues, conducting competitive benchmarking, and pioneering Snowflake deployments with cutting-edge technology. Candidates need 5+ years of experience with databases, data warehousing, and data engineering, along with strong SQL, Python/Java skills, and expertise in distributed data processing technologies.

What you'll do

Snowflake Architecture Expertise: Develop deep expertise in Snowflake architecture, query processing, workload profiling, and data engineering tools

Competitive Analysis: Become an expert in competitor solutions and products for analytics and data engineering platforms

Benchmark Development: Define, automate, execute, and publish competitive benchmarks against industry competitors

Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner closely with engineering teams to deliver results and guidance on performance gaps, challenges, and advantages

Product Strategy: Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering teams to improve Snowflake's products and ecosystem roadmaps

Customer Performance Issues: Solve challenging customer performance problems and provide consultative assistance for complex implementations

Technical Innovation: Pioneer Snowflake deployments with cutting-edge technology and drive innovation initiatives

Executive Communication: Present technical concepts and performance insights to executive and technical audiences across organizations

Proof-of-Concept Development: Build and execute proof-of-concepts and benchmarks for large enterprise deals and strategic initiatives

What we look for

Technical

Database SystemsMinimum 5 years experience delivering database, data warehouse, or data engineering implementations

SQL PerformanceStrong SQL performance analysis experience with ability to optimize complex queries

Programming SkillsCoding and programming experience in process automation with Python and/or Java expertise

Cloud PlatformsBroad understanding of cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, and OpenStack

Data Stack KnowledgeDeep understanding of complete data engineering and analytics stack from ingestion to BI tools

Performance AnalysisAbility to use tools to identify and articulate performance issues in distributed systems

Education

Degree PreferredUniversity degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics or related fields, or equivalent experience

Experience

Engineering CollaborationExperience working directly with engineering teams, product managers, and various management levels

Competitor ExperienceProven track record of experience with Snowflake competitors in the data platform space

Benchmark InitiativesExperience leading benchmark initiatives and competitive analysis projects

Large-Scale SystemsExperience with large-scale infrastructure-as-a-service platforms and distributed systems

Skills

Required skills

SQL ExpertiseStrong SQL performance analysis and optimization skills for complex data warehouse queries

Python/Java ProgrammingProficiency in Python and/or Java for automation, data engineering, and application development

Cloud PlatformsExperience with AWS, Azure, or OpenStack for large-scale infrastructure deployments

Data EngineeringComplete understanding of data engineering stack from ingestion to analytics

Performance AnalysisAbility to identify and resolve performance issues in distributed data systems

Technical CommunicationStrong communication skills for presenting to technical and executive audiences

Nice to have

Distributed SystemsExperience with Apache Spark, Kafka, Flink, and other distributed processing technologies

C/C++ DevelopmentSystem-level programming experience for performance-critical applications

Scala ProgrammingFunctional programming skills for big data processing frameworks

Machine LearningKnowledge of AI/ML technologies including PyTorch for training and inference

Scripting LanguagesExperience with Ruby, Perl, and Bash for automation and system administration

Competitor PlatformsHands-on experience with Databricks, BigQuery, Redshift, and other data platforms

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 236,000 – 339,200 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Full medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with company contribution

Equity Compensation

Stock options and equity participation in Snowflake's growth as indicated by salary range structure

Professional Development

Access to cutting-edge technology training and conference attendance for staying current with evolving data technologies

Innovation Culture

Opportunity to work with newest technology and pioneer deployments in cloud data platforms

Career Growth

Fast-paced growth environment with opportunities for career advancement and skill development

Work-Life Balance

Flexible work arrangements supporting dynamic work environment needs

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Phone or video screening with recruiter focusing on background, experience with data platforms, and cultural fit
2
Technical Assessment — SQL performance analysis challenge and system design discussion covering data warehouse architecture
3
Technical Deep Dive — Detailed technical interview with engineering team covering distributed systems, performance optimization, and competitor analysis
4
Cross-Functional Interview — Interview with product management and sales engineering teams focusing on customer-facing scenarios and communication skills
5
Leadership Interview — Final interview with senior leadership discussing strategic thinking, competitive landscape knowledge, and long-term vision
6
Reference and Background Check — Professional reference verification and standard background screening process