Distinguished Systems Developer - SQL Engine

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

We believe in technical craftsmanship deep collaboration and a culture where ambitious people can build bold systems. The SQL Engine group is the nerve center of our product—where query 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 the next-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 design data processing abstractions and execution engines that enable AI-native features like fast vector search graph traversal and probabilistic joins—all within a familiar SQL interface.

Your Impact

• Architect and implement query optimization and execution components that scale across petabytes
• Design tooling and frameworks that make AI and analytics convergence seamless
• Collaborate with platform and storage teams to leverage multi-model indexing and caching strategies
• Contribute to building programmable intelligent data pipelines that drive downstream ML model performance
• Mentor engineers guide technical debates and influence long-term system direction
• Champion a culture of quality rigor and innovation

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in systems-level or database internals engineering
• Proven expertise in SQL query engines optimizers execution runtimes or data compiler toolchains
• Experience with multi-model data systems (SQL + JSON vector search graph traversal)
• Expert in at least one systems programming languages or LLVM-based codegen environments
• Strong grasp of relational algebra compiler construction and data-intensive workloads
• Familiarity with AI infrastructure or ML inference pipelines is a strong plus
• Passion for designing software that balances performance correctness and usability
• PHD degree or 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 on deep query systems love systems-level programming and want to help create a platform that bridges SQL 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.

What We Do

InterSystems builds the software that makes complex systems work—reliably securely and at scale. For more than 45 years we’ve been the information engine behind some of the world’s most mission-critical applications in healthcare government and business. Our data management integration and analytics technologies help organizations connect disparate systems turn data into insight and deliver better outcomes. From enabling interoperable healthcare and advancing clinical care to powering national infrastructure and large-scale enterprise systems our technology is used every day by millions of people in more than 80 countries. What sets InterSystems apart is not just what we build but how we build it. We focus on long-term innovation deep engineering excellence and solving hard problems that truly matter. Our teams work closely with customers to tackle real-world challenges—often behind the scenes but always at the heart of what keeps essential systems running. If you’re motivated by meaningful work technical depth and the opportunity to have a global impact you’ll find it here.

Why Work With Us

Because we are a profitable privately-held software company we place our clients first in everything we do. You’ll work on meaningful complex problems alongside deeply curious experts in a culture that values learning ownership and long-term growth—without the pressure of quarterly Wall Street demands.

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