Data Infrastructure Engineer (Query Engine)

@ zaimler

Data Infrastructure Engineer (Query Engine)

Posted 5 days ago

About the job

We simplify enterprise data for AI readiness, tackling complex data challenges. Our team builds systems to enhance data discovery, integrate semantic layers, and support AI/ML at scale for better business outcomes.

Requirements

Experience with distributed systems
Proficiency in Java, Scala, Rust, or C++
Knowledge of big data tools like Spark, Trino
Experience in query engine internals
Data format expertise (Parquet, ORC)

Qualifications

Deep understanding of distributed architecture
Strong SQL and query optimization skills
Ability to build scalable, efficient systems

Full job description

About zaimler

zaimler is building the next-generation semantic platform that links fragmented enterprise data and extracts meaning with knowledge-distilled models. We’re creating the foundation for AI systems that don’t just generate, but retrieve, link, and reason over enterprise knowledge.

In just over a year, we’ve begun partnering with Fortune 500 design partners in insurance, travel, and technology, deploying our semantic platform into some of the world’s most complex and high-volume data ecosystems. Our platform enables enterprises to make their data AI-ready from the start: automating ontology creation, data mapping, and retrieval-augmented reasoning at scale.

Our team comes from LinkedIn, Visa, Meta, and Branch, and has spent decades solving data and infrastructure challenges at scale. Backed by top VCs, we’re building the next foundational layer for enterprise AI.

What You’ll Do

zaimler's query engine powers graph-native queries across a two-layer system: an internal storage and indexing layer, and a pass-through layer that queries live into customer data platforms like Snowflake and Databricks. You'll work across the engine's coordinator, compiler, and executor, extending language and function support, and helping build queries that reason across multiple data sources at once.

What You'll Own

Extend the query engine's language and function support over time
Help build cross-source query capabilities: answering questions that span multiple data sources in a single query
Work on the storage and indexing layer that the query engine runs against
Build and maintain the layer that queries live into external systems like Snowflake and Databricks
Work directly in the engine's core components: coordinator, compiler, executor

Prior Experience

Strong database fundamentals: you understand consistency models, transactions, and how storage layers actually work under the hood, not just how to query one
Experience running systems at real production scale, where naive approaches start to break down
A systems mindset: background in OS, file systems, distributed systems, or database internals, from industry or research
Ability to work from ambiguous, evolving problems rather than fully scoped tickets
A bias toward hands-on execution over pure architecture or process ownership

Nice to Have

Experience with graph query languages (e.g. Cypher)
API development experience
Background at a data intensive company or research lab
Prior experience at an early-stage startup, developing systems and processes from scratch.

Why Join Us?

We’re a fast-moving, well-funded startup based in San Mateo, working onsite with flexible hours because the best ideas happen when smart people collaborate in person. We take ownership of our work, move with urgency while maintaining quality, and focus on delivering real results—not just effort. We offer competitive compensation, equity, full benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k), and a workspace built for collaboration, transparency, and deep technical problem-solving.

We sponsor H-1B visas and assist with immigration processes to bring the best minds together!

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