Sr. Open-Source Software Engineer (Apache Cassandra)

TL;DR

Sr. Open-Source Software Engineer (Apache Cassandra): Leading upstream development and community stewardship for Apache Cassandra with an accent on distributed systems architecture, performance optimization, and release management. Focus on driving CEP-level designs, providing committer-level reviews, and bridging upstream technical innovation with production-scale enterprise outcomes.

Location: Must be based in the US (San Jose, Raleigh, Boston, or Seattle) and able to work in-office 3 days per week.

Salary: $220,000–$265,000

Company

hirify.global is a global leader in intelligent data infrastructure, providing unified storage and data services for multicloud and AI-driven environments.

What you will do

• Lead end-to-end upstream initiatives in Apache Cassandra, including CEP authoring and design consensus.
• Provide binding committer reviews on upstream patches and community contributions.
• Co-own Apache Cassandra core release management and contribute to ecosystem subprojects.
• Translate enterprise customer requirements into credible upstream proposals and technical designs.
• Shape community direction through active participation in mailing lists, Jira, and GitHub.
• Mentor engineers toward committer standing and improve upstream infrastructure and test automation.

Requirements

• Minimum 12 years of professional software engineering experience.
• Current Apache Cassandra committer status with a verifiable upstream track record.
• Expert Java engineering capability in performance-sensitive, concurrent, and distributed systems.
• Deep mastery of Apache Cassandra internals (storage engine, indexing, distributed consensus, or observability).
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical work through the Apache open source governance model.
• Strong written communication skills for global, public technical collaboration.

Nice to have

• PMC membership in Apache Cassandra or related subprojects.
• Track record of work in Cassandra 6.0 feature areas (Accord, Transactional Cluster Metadata, etc.).
• Experience connecting upstream leadership to enterprise customer outcomes.
• History of mentoring contributors toward reviewer or committer standing.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working environment focused on connection and collaboration.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and retirement plans.
• Performance-based incentives and employee stock purchase plans.
• Culture that rewards initiative, impact, and ownership.
• Flexibility to balance professional ambition with personal life.