How do I apply for Staff Software Engineer, Big Data Storage at Pinterest?

Follow the instructions in the job description to apply on Pinterest's own site.

Where is this Staff Software Engineer, Big Data Storage job located?

This role is remote-friendly, based out of Palo Alto.

Is Staff Software Engineer, Big Data Storage remote?

Yes — this role supports remote work.

When does this job posting expire?

Applications close on November 28, 2026. Apply before then to be considered.

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Staff Software Engineer, Big Data Storage

Palo Alto, CA, US; Remote, US 3 days ago

AI overview

This role involves designing and building scalable storage systems for Pinterest’s data lake, focusing on big data open-source technologies like Apache Iceberg at exabyte scale. The Staff Software Engineer will lead technical projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and shape the long-term technical direction for big data storage. The position requires 8+ years of experience in distributed systems and storage infrastructure, with proficiency in relevant programming languages and big data technologies.

We’re looking for a Staff Software Engineer to help build the next generation of Pinterest’s big data storage platform. You’ll work on some of the most exciting big data open source technologies — especially Apache Iceberg — at exabyte scale to power the data infrastructure that helps Pinners discover and do what they love.

As a Staff Software Engineer, you’ll serve as a technical leader and hands-on contributor, designing and building highly scalable storage systems for Pinterest’s data lake. You’ll partner closely with teams across data, ML/AI, analytics, and infrastructure to evolve our storage and metadata management capabilities, enabling efficient, reliable, and governed access to data at massive scale.

What you’ll do:

Design, implement, and optimize Pinterest’s exabyte-scale data lake storage platform.
Lead complex technical projects and initiatives for data lake storage and metadata management, driving them from architecture through execution.
Collaborate with stakeholders and partner teams across the organization to design storage and metadata layer technologies that unlock big data and ML/AI innovations.
Build storage capabilities that efficiently support large-scale ML/AI workloads, including high-throughput data access, schema evolution, and large-scale column backfills.
Shape the long-term technical direction for scalable, reliable, and efficient big data storage systems.
Engage with and contribute to open source communities such as Apache Iceberg, Spark, and Flink to help address Pinterest’s scaling challenges.

What we’re looking for:

8+ years of relevant industry experience designing and building large-scale production distributed systems.
Strong experience designing and maintaining scalable storage, metadata, or data lake infrastructure.
Experience building storage capabilities for large-scale ML/AI or analytics workloads, including high-throughput data access, schema evolution, and large-scale column backfills.
Deep knowledge with building distributed systems, data storage systems, and production infrastructure.
Experience with big data technologies such as Apache Iceberg, Spark, Flink, Presto/Trino, Hive, or similar systems.
Proficiency in programming languages like Java, Scala, or Python.
Proven ability to lead complex technical initiatives and influence architecture across teams.
Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a drive for technical excellence and innovation.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, or equivalent experience

In-Office Requirement Statement:

We let the type of work you do guide the collaboration style. That means we're not always working in an office, but we continue to gather for key moments of collaboration and connection.
This role will need to be in the office for in-person collaboration 1-2 times/quarter and therefore can be situated anywhere in the country.

Relocation Statement:

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance. Visit our PinFlex page to learn more about our working model.

US based applicants only

$177,185—$364,795 USD

Our Commitment to Inclusion:

Pinterest is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best qualified people in every job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you require a medical or religious accommodation during the job application process, please complete this form for support.

By submitting this application, I certify that all information submitted in my application and throughout the hiring process is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statement, omission, or misrepresentation may disqualify me from employment consideration or result in termination if discovered after hire.