Software Engineer - PostgreSQL for AI Workloads

• Design and implement AI-native capabilities in PostgreSQL, including vector indexing, semantic and full-text search operators, hybrid search patterns, and graph query features.
• Own or contribute to the design and implementation of major AI-native subsystems, from early technical exploration through production readiness, with guidance from senior engineers as appropriate.
• Build and enhance high-performance PostgreSQL extensions and core engine integrations using C, C++, or Rust, with a strong focus on performance, correctness, and maintainability.
• Contribute to end-to-end development, including performance analysis, debugging, tuning, operability, and service integration in cloud database environments.
• Work effectively in high-ambiguity problem spaces, evaluating technical tradeoffs through experimentation as patterns and best practices emerge.
• Collaborate closely with senior engineers, product managers, and AI researchers to translate requirements into scalable, intuitive, and reliable systems.
• Participate actively in technical design discussions, code reviews, and the evolution of engineering standards, while deepening understanding of PostgreSQL internals and systems design.
• Help shape the developer experience through APIs, control plane integration, and extensibility mechanisms.
• Learn, apply, and promote best practices for building reliable, observable, and operable systems in a production cloud database service.
• Stay informed and curious about research and industry trends in databases, search systems, graph systems, and AI-powered data platforms.

• Qualifications

  • Required/Minimum Qualifications 
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND equivalent technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
  • OR equivalent experience.
  • Proven technical engineering capabilities in systems-level engineering, including work on database engines, distributed systems, or backend infrastructure 
  • Proficiency in one or more systems programming languages such as C, C++, or Rust 
  • Experience working with PostgreSQL or similar engines at the extension, indexing, or query execution level 
  • Demonstrated ability to design and deliver reliable, performant systems in a collaborative environment

  Job Requirements: Other & Additional  

  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: 
  • This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter. 

  Preferred/Additional Qualifications 

  • ​​Experience implementing vector indexes, ANN search algorithms, or semantic retrieval systems 
  • Interest or experience in graph data models or graph-aware query execution 
  • Familiarity with embedding workflows, model integration, or retrieval-augmented generation patterns 
  • Prior contributions to open-source databases, search engines, or AI infrastructure projects 
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills with a collaborative, growth-oriented mindset 
  • Commitment to learning, innovation, and inclusive engineering culture

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.