Distributed Database Engineer, Storage

Tesla Motors, Inc.
185,440 - 278,160 USD
paid holidays, flex time, 401(k)
United States, Washington, Bellevue
Oct 29, 2025
What to Expect In this role, you will build the next generation of distributed database service platforms at Tesla. These platforms will underpin mission critical services for Tesla's customers, employees, and manufacturing, while capitalizing on the extensive edge footprint possible in a globally distributed manufacturing setting. You will be defining the state of the art in distributed database design. What You'll Do Design, develop, and deploy highly scalable and performant distributed database systems that meet the needs of Tesla's mission-critical services Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize project requirements, develop technical roadmaps, and ensure seamless integration with existing systems Develop and maintain technical documentation, including architecture diagrams, design documents, and code comments Participate in code and design reviews, ensuring adherence to Tesla's coding standards and best practices Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues, providing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions Stay up-to-date with industry trends, researching and evaluating new technologies and innovations in distributed database design and development Mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance and oversight to ensure knowledge sharing and skill development Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders, communicating technical plans, progress, and results to both technical and non-technical audiences What You'll Bring 7+ years industry experience in software development, with a minimum of 5 years in Internet-scale data platform software engineering Expert proficiency in at least two low level programming language such as C, C++, or Rust Expert knowledge of distributed database engine development, query engine design, and optimization A ferocious dedication to low-level performance optimization is essential Working experience with DPDK and SPDK is preferred Solid skills in applied math or distributed algorithms are preferred A craftsperson and an excellent team player with a startup mentality is preferred Superb communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization, are essential to success Compensation and Benefits Benefits Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire: Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance Employee Assistance Program Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid Holidays Back-up childcare and parenting support resources Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs Tesla Babies program Commuter benefits Employee discounts and perks program Expected Compensation Staff Software Development Engineer - $185,440 - $278,160/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits for all levels Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.