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

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 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.

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 visit InterSystems.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 the InterSystems 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.