Software Design Engineer

Overview

This contractor will be a part of the SQL performance team working on on-prem and SQL software, focused on ensuring performance is optimal and competetive.

The contractor must have a bachelors degree in computer science, preferably a masters degree (an information science degree is not enough). Degree’s from tier 1 universities like University of Washington are a plus.

They should be familiar with data structures and understand what makes a program optimal and performance oriented (they will not write code but should be able to understand the code and know which questions to ask to determine how it works).
The contractor should be very familiar with databases. They should understand structured query language (SQL), tables, indexes, kinds of logic, locks & spinlocks, etc. Some experience with hardware and processors is needed, the contractor will do low level testing and benchmarking for machines that will be added to software to ensure they work as intended.

The contractor doesn’t need to know any specific coding language, but should have a strong understanding of coding logic and ideally be comfortable writing in at least one of the following: C#, Bash, C, C++, PowerShell, Python, etc. They should be able to read a function, understand what is does, and know how to change the function. This role will involve implementing automation in cross-platform task automation and configuration management framework.

The best candidate has great problem solving, communication, and presentation skills and is able to explain what they’ve found while testing. They should be vocal about what they understand and what they don’t understand, and are willing to ask questions to learn more. The second-round interview will focus on their technical knowledge of SQL servers and tuning them.

Candidates should be prepared to expand on what is included in their resumes and rate their ability with the programming languages listed on their resume. The sponsor’s team will ask candidates about their coding experience, to explain different data types, if they understand database-related info such as concurrency and which kinds of locking are best for certain scenarios, and ensure they know how their code works instead of just being able to write code.

Responsibilities:

• Develops/executes performance tools and scripts.
• Collect and report the performance data to the performance team and other stakeholders.
• Analyze automated performance tool results and report results to the performance team.
• Be familiar with physical computer technologies and configuration as well as cloud-based technologies.
• Will work under the supervision of more senior Performance Engineers.

Experience

• General knowledge of personal and server-class computers, applications software, and operating systems required.
• Knowledge of PowerShell and other scripting languages a must.
• Database skills are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated investigative and problem-solving skills required.
• Familiarity with product lifecycle preferred.
• Must have the ability to use, at a basic level, word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Must have the ability to learn new information quickly.
• A bachelor’s degree in computer science (Master’s a plus) is required.

Looking for candidates interested in pursuing a Software Database Engineer role in the future, as this role is essentially for a very junior SDE candidate that is willing to be trained on the job

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $34.30 to $38.12 an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! 

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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