Software Engineer (Cassandra)

Job Summary

Net App is pioneering Storage GRID object storage—AWS cloud-compatible software that helps power the exponential growth of AI data lakes. As a Software Engineer, Cassandra at the MTS 4 level, you will focus primarily on Java-based Cassandra development for the distributed database layer that underpins Storage GRID metadata services, scale‑out reliability, upgradeability, and enterprise customer workloads.

This role is ideal for an experienced hands‑on engineer who enjoys working deep in distributed systems, database internals, open‑source technologies, product integration, performance, and reliability engineering within a mission‑critical object storage product.

As a Software Engineer, Cassandra on the Storage GRID team, you will operate as a strong independent contributor focused primarily on Java Cassandra development. You will design and implement Cassandra‑related features, improve product integration, and strengthen scale, upgrade, and operational behavior for enterprise deployments.

At the Software Engineer, the role requires strong technical depth, end‑to‑end ownership, sound design judgment, and the ability to influence peers through high‑quality code, thoughtful reviews, and clear technical communication.

• Design and implement Java‑based Cassandra features and improvements with end‑to‑end ownership
• Translate product, scale, upgrade, supportability, and customer requirements into clear Cassandra technical designs
• Make sound trade‑offs across availability, data protection, consistency, performance, maintainability, and operational simplicity in large‑scale distributed database systems

• Develop high‑quality, efficient, and maintainable code in Java and related database/system technologies
• Troubleshoot complex Storage GRID issues involving Cassandra storage, compaction, repair, replication, consistency, node lifecycle, and cluster behavior
• Build deep expertise in how Cassandra supports Storage GRID metadata, availability, and customer operations

• Participate in Cassandra and Storage GRID design reviews and propose improvements to database architecture, product integration, and operational behavior
• Influence component‑level design in areas such as metadata services, observability, repair, upgradeability, node lifecycle, and cluster operations

• Apply practical knowledge of open‑source development models, code review practices, issue tracking, and community‑driven engineering workflows
• Work with upstream‑style development expectations, including clear design rationale, high‑quality patches, maintainable tests, and constructive technical discussion
• Balance product needs with broader distributed database ecosystem considerations while following company contribution, legal, and compliance processes

• Deliver Cassandra changes that meet Storage GRID product requirements and release‑quality standards
• Contribute to code reviews, issue triage, root‑cause analysis, and test strategy for Cassandra‑related Storage GRID work
• Scalability, Performance & Reliability
• Optimize Cassandra for Storage GRID scale, throughput, resiliency, node expansion, and failure recovery
• Lead performance analysis, benchmarking, capacity planning, and system tuning across Storage GRID Cassandra deployments
• Improve diagnostics, fault tolerance, upgrade safety, and operational debuggability for Cassandra within Storage GRID

• Drive medium‑to‑large Cassandra initiatives from design through implementation, validation, and release readiness
• Identify risks, dependencies, and technical trade‑offs early, and communicate clearly with stakeholders
• Collaboration & Cross‑Functional Work
• Collaborate closely with the existing senior Cassandra developer, Storage GRID engineering, QA, product management, supportability, support, and field teams
• Provide backup support for Cassandra orchestration, troubleshooting, testing, supportability, and release readiness workflows as needed