Principal Architect

As a Principal Architect, you will lead the architectural design and full implementation of a high-performance OLAP query engine and semantic layer. Your primary focus will be on developing a custom JSON-based query language (DSL) and a translation engine that converts these queries into optimized SQL for columnar databases. This role demands expertise in systems programming, compiler theory, and multi-dimensional data modeling to support high-concurrency read operations within a microservices environment.

Key Responsibilities

Architectural Design & Query Execution:
Design and develop a custom JSON-based OLAP query language, defining eBNF grammars and building a translation layer that converts functional formulas and DSL requests into optimized execution plans. Oversee the generation of highly optimized SQL tailored for columnar databases such as ClickHouse, SingleStore, and DuckDB. Architect the semantic layer to represent multi-dimensional data models efficiently within columnar structures, ensuring fast data retrieval and aggregation. Implement custom function logic, balancing SQL push-down capabilities with application-layer execution.

Caching & Performance Engineering:
Design and implement a distributed caching strategy for multidimensional data using shared memory systems like Redis. Build and maintain high-performance microservices in Java (Micronaut or Spring Boot) leveraging Project Loom (Virtual Threads) to handle massive concurrent read loads. Optimize system-level performance through connection pooling, array pooling, and off-heap memory management. Apply expert JVM tuning skills, including knowledge of Garbage Collectors like ZGC and Shenandoah, to maintain low-latency responses.

Engineering Excellence & AI Integration:
Utilize AI coding agents and tools to accelerate development from prototyping through debugging. Maintain comprehensive technical documentation covering architectural decisions, design patterns, and specifications. Serve as the primary technical authority on query engine internals, providing leadership and guidance on complex systems-level challenges.

Required Qualifications

- Over 15 years of experience in software engineering, focusing on backend systems and data infrastructure.
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of compilers, Abstract Syntax Trees (ASTs), eBNF grammars, and query planning.
- Deep understanding of SQL, query optimization, and the internal mechanics of columnar databases.
- Expert proficiency in Java, including multi-threading, asynchronous I/O, networking, and memory management.
- Proven experience designing distributed caching layers and managing state across microservices.
- Ability to break down complex data problems into scalable architectural components.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong emphasis on documenting architectural ideas.
- Rigorous approach to software craftsmanship, including testing, telemetry, and performance benchmarking.
- At least one year of experience using AI coding agents to enhance development productivity.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Experience developing financial systems such as ERP, EPM, or General Ledger platforms is highly desirable.

This role offers the opportunity to own the core internals of a next-generation financial planning platform’s query engine, where compiler theory, columnar database performance, and multi-dimensional semantics intersect.

The company fosters a best-in-class culture with benefits including two volunteer days per year, birthday PTO, quarterly wellness days, and generous parental leave with support such as meal deliveries and diaper supplies. Employees have access to mental health resources like Talkspace and participate in annual company-wide gatherings in various cities. Office hubs are located in San Francisco, Toronto, and London, with additional support for home office setups and monthly reimbursements for wifi and cell phone expenses. Employee Resource Groups such as Women of Planful and Parents of Planful encourage an inclusive environment where teammates are empowered to bring their authentic selves and create new communities.