Job Title: Principal Software Architect - Performance

Company Name: DataDirect Networks (DDN)

Job Details: RemoteFull,Time

Job Url: https://hiring.cafe/viewjob/pxn28k81pkl1mhay

Job Description: Posted 15h agoPrincipal Software Architect - Performance@ DataDirect Networks (DDN)View All JobsWebsiteUnited StatesRemoteFull TimeResponsibilities:Define performance architecture, Lead performance optimization, Mentor engineersRequirements Summary:15+ years in performance engineering or distributed systems; expert in data path and I/O; strong C++ for performance-critical code; experience with profiling, benchmarking, and large-scale storage systems; strong system design and cross-team collaboration.Technical Tools Mentioned:C++, profiling tools, benchmarking tools, distribution systems, storage systems, kernel/user-space I/O stacks
Overview:
This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a company that has been at the forefront of AI and high-performance data storage innovation for over two decades. DataDirect Networks (DDN) is a global market leader renowned for powering many of the world's most demanding AI data centers, in industries ranging from life sciences and healthcare to financial services, autonomous cars, Government, academia, research and manufacturing.  "DDN's A3I solutions are transforming the landscape of AI infrastructure." – IDC   “The real differentiator is DDN. I never hesitate to recommend DDN. DDN is the de facto name for AI Storage in high performance environments” - Marc Hamilton, VP, Solutions Architecture & Engineering | NVIDIA   DDN is the global leader in AI and multi-cloud data management at scale. Our cutting-edge data intelligence platform is designed to accelerate AI workloads, enabling organizations to extract maximum value from their data. With a proven track record of performance, reliability, and scalability, DDN empowers businesses to tackle the most challenging AI and data-intensive workloads with confidence.   Our success is driven by our unwavering commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and a team of passionate professionals who bring their expertise and dedication to every project. This is a chance to make a significant impact at a company that is shaping the future of AI and data management.   Our commitment to innovation, customer success, and market leadership makes this an exciting and rewarding role for a driven professional looking to make a lasting impact in the world of AI and data storage. 

Job Description:
We are seeking a Principal Software Architect – Performance with deep expertise in data path and I/O performance for large-scale distributed file systems. This role is for a senior technical leader who drives performance architecture across the storage stack, from low-level code paths to system-wide behavior at massive scale. You will define performance strategy, guide architectural decisions, and lead complex performance investigations for high-throughput, low-latency distributed systems. This role combines hands-on technical depth with broad architectural influence. Key ResponsibilitiesDefine and own performance architecture for data path and I/O path components across distributed file systemsLead performance analysis and optimization of large-scale, high-performance, scale-out file systemsArchitect performance-aware designs across CPU, memory, storage, and network layersDrive optimization of performance-critical file system code, primarily in C++Establish best practices for performance measurement, profiling, benchmarking, and regression detectionLead deep-dive investigations into complex, system-wide performance issuesInfluence system architecture with a performance-first mindsetMentor senior and staff engineers on performance engineering techniques and methodologiesCollaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure performance goals are met across the stackRepresent performance considerations in design reviews and long-term roadmap planningRequired Qualifications15+ years of experience in performance engineering, systems engineering, or distributed systemsDeep understanding of distributed file systems and scale-out storage architecturesExpert-level knowledge of data path and I/O path design and optimizationStrong proficiency in C++ with extensive experience in performance-critical codeProven expertise in performance measurement techniques, including profiling, tracing, benchmarking, and custom toolingStrong foundation in distributed systems principles, including scalability, concurrency, and fault toleranceDemonstrated experience optimizing file system or storage system code for performance at scaleExperience with high-performance, high-scale-out file systems in production environmentsPreferred QualificationsExperience with kernel-level and user-space I/O stacksDeep understanding of modern storage hardware (NVMe, SSDs, RDMA, high-speed networking)Experience building or evolving performance frameworks and benchmarking infrastructureBackground in parallel programming, lock-free or low-contention designsExperience influencing architecture across multiple teams or large codebasesWhat Success Looks LikeClear performance architecture guiding system design and implementationSignificant, measurable improvements in throughput, latency, and scalabilityEarly identification and prevention of performance regressionsPerformance expertise that elevates engineering quality across the organization

DDN:
Join our dynamic and driven team, where engineering excellence is at the heart of everything we do. We seek individuals who love to challenge themselves and are fueled by curiosity. Here, you'll have the opportunity to work across various areas of the company, thanks to our flat organizational structure that encourages hands-on involvement and direct contributions to our mission. Leadership is earned by those who take initiative and consistently deliver outstanding results, both in their work ethic and deliverables, making strong prioritization skills essential. Additionally, we value strong communication skills in all our engineers and researchers, as they are crucial for the success of our teams and the company as a whole. Interview Process: After submitting your application, one of our recruiters will review your resume. If your application passes this stage, you will be invited to a 30-minute interview during which a member of our team will ask some basic questions. If you clear the interview, you will enter the main process, which can consist of up to four interviews in total: Coding assessment: Often in a language of your choice.Systems design: Translate high-level requirements into a scalable, fault-tolerant service (depending on role).Real-time problem-solving: Demonstrate practical skills in a live problem-solving session.Meet and greet with the wider team.Our goal is to finish the main process in 2-3 weeks at most. DataDirect Networks (DDN) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, sex stereotyping, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #LI-Remote