Member of Technical Staff (Senior - Specialized Indexing)

About the Role

The SQL Queries team is responsible for the core of CockroachDB’s query execution and optimization layer. We are forming a new Specialized Indexing subteam to expand CockroachDB’s capabilities beyond traditional relational workloads. You will design and implement high-performance indexing systems—including vector, full-text, and geospatial indexes—to support the next generation of AI-native and search-driven applications.

You Will

• Design, build, and maintain specialized indexing features for CockroachDB.
• Improve the performance and reliability of vector indexing systems, including backfill, query planning, and import workflows.
• Partner with database teams to integrate new indexing mechanisms into the query engine.
• Develop hybrid search capabilities combining vector similarity and text-based search.
• Participate in design discussions, code reviews, and release planning.
• Take full ownership of your work from design through implementation and release.

Expectations

• First Month: Familiarize yourself with CockroachDB’s SQL architecture and vector indexing implementation.
• Three Months: Take ownership of specialized indexing components and make measurable performance improvements.
• Six Months: Play a key role in advancing hybrid search capabilities and shaping the future indexing roadmap.

You Have

• 10+ years of experience building large-scale, production-grade systems.
• Passion for databases, indexing systems, and high-performance distributed architectures.
• Strong background in backend or systems programming (Go, C/C++, or Rust).
• Experience with indexing or query execution systems (vector, text, or spatial search).
• Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and distributed systems.
• Ability to translate ambiguous problems into scalable, AI-enabled solutions.
• A builder's instinct for creating reusable, extensible platforms.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Mental Wellbeing Benefits
• Internet, Wellness, and Food Allowances
• Office Commute Reimbursement

Cockroach Labs operates a hybrid model with required office days in Bangalore on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.