Staff Software Engineer - (Backend C++) - job 1 of 4

It all started in sunny San Diego, California in 2004 when a visionary engineer, Fred Luddy, saw the potential to transform how we work. Fast forward to today — ServiceNow stands as a global market leader, bringing innovative AI-enhanced technology to over 8,100 customers, including 85% of the Fortune 500®. Our intelligent cloud-based platform seamlessly connects people, systems, and processes to empower organizations to find smarter, faster, and better ways to work. But this is just the beginning of our journey. Join us as we pursue our purpose to make the world work better for everyone.

Team:

ServiceNow Project RaptorDB, based on Postgres, the world's most advanced open‑source database, acts as a foundational data layer that allows ServiceNow customers to process massive volumes of transactional data on the Now Platform in real time to meet the demands of AI‑powered applications and business critical workflows. It adds analytical capabilities to meet advanced reporting and data mining needs. This team is building the very core of RaptorDB and even the smallest optimization can have a dramatic impact on our customers and our bottom line.

We are looking for an experienced developer with C/C++ knowledge who wants to contribute heavily to building the very core of our ServiceNow database. You will work directly with other engineers on the Data Platform team solving challenging problems in scaling and querying large data sets efficiently both vertically and horizontally. Our work is based on Postgres with significant in-house enhancements and unique features. This is your opportunity to contribute to cutting edge database software used at massive scale.

What you get to do in this role:

• You’ll collaborate with 3 teams of 20+ dedicated database-internals engineers.
• Be part of building the next-gen database platform using and contributing to the latest open-source technologies
• Analyze storage/memory/compute performance and scalability bottlenecks in the system and build targeted software solutions
• Develop complex and creative solutions with quality modern C/C++ code and a highly automated build and test infrastructure
• Improve reliability and observability by designing and building self-diagnostic and self-healing system capabilities
• Learn state-of-the-art development practices for performance, reliability and error prevention
• Partner with core and cross-functional teams to create the next-generation database engine powering ServiceNow

To be successful in this role you have:

• In depth knowledge of computer and general systems architecture (threads, networking, kernel, etc)
• Excellent skills in object-oriented programming combined with some C/C++ and SQL knowledge
• Experience in test-driven development
• Solid understanding and experience with agile software development methodologies and working in a large, ambitious team
• Ability to handle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Skill to manage your own complex tasks, know when to synchronize and re-align with the team, and lead more junior team members working with you
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills and the ability to communicate them effectively in design documents and architect-level discussions
• An aptitude for learning new technologies and an itch to code
• Experience working with at least one of OS kernel, memory manager, multi-threaded software modules, or distributed systems

• Experience in leveraging or critically thinking about how to integrate AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving. This may include using AI-powered tools, automating workflows, analyzing AI-driven insights, or exploring AI's potential impact on the function or industry.
• Experience In using AI Productivity tools such as Windsurf, Cursor, etc is a plus or nice to have
• 6+ years of experience developing professional software
• Experience with deep knowledge in one of operating systems, complex layered software products or database systems
• Proven track record of delivering sub-modules or software features end-to-end
• Ability to handle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of C/C++ and SQL

Nice to have

• Any experience developing the internals of relational, analytical, or graph databases
• Experience working with relational databases, especially MariaDB and/or Postgres
• Experience working with analytical or graph databases

For positions in this location, we offer a base pay of $155,800 - $272,700, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.

Work Personas

We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements. 

Accommodations

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply, please contact [email protected] for assistance. 

Export Control Regulations

For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities. 

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