Software Engineer; Cassandra)

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.

The 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.

Role Overview

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.

Storage GRID Cassandra Development & Feature Ownership

• 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

Cassandra Internals & Storage GRID Integration

• 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

Architecture Contribution & Technical Leadership

• 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

Open-Source & Community-Aware Development

• 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

Product Engineering & Customer-Focused Execution

• 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

Execution & Delivery

• 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

• 8-12 years of experience in backend, systems, database, storage, or distributed systems engineering
• Strong programming skills in Java, with experience in Python, Go, C/C++, or similar languages a plus
• Hands-on experience with Apache Cassandra or comparable distributed database / No
  
  SQL systems, preferably at the internals or…