Infrastructure Software Engineer, Metadata Core (Remote, Worldwide)

Imagine building the very backbone of a system trusted by millions of people globally. That's precisely the challenge and opportunity waiting for you on the Metadata team at Dropbox. We're searching for an Infrastructure Software Engineer to dive deep into our core distributed databases, the systems that are absolutely essential for every Dropbox service to function. This isn't just about code; it's about engineering foundational elements that ensure blazing fast, highly reliable, and consistently accurate data access for users and countless internal services alike.

Overview

As an Infrastructure Software Engineer specializing in Metadata Core, you will be instrumental in developing and operating the massive-scale distributed databases that power every single Dropbox service. Our metadata systems are truly mission-critical, sitting directly in the live path for all user operations. This means they must consistently meet incredibly stringent requirements for low latency, exceptional data durability, and robust transactional consistency. You will design and continuously evolve the foundational infrastructure that skillfully manages Dropbox's vast databases at scale, ultimately enabling swift and reliable data access for millions of users and hundreds of internal services. Your work will span critical areas like distributed systems, complex replication strategies, intelligent caching mechanisms, and advanced transactional database systems. You will also collaborate closely with engineering teams across both Infrastructure and Product to ensure our metadata layer not only meets current business needs but also scales gracefully with Dropbox's impressive growth. This role offers a unique chance to fully leverage your expertise in distributed systems while growing into broader technical leadership, all from the comfort of your remote workspace anywhere in the world.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and meticulously maintain large-scale distributed database systems crucial for Dropbox's global operations.
Ensure our metadata systems uphold industry-leading standards for latency, data durability, and transactional consistency across all operations.
Spearhead the evolution of core infrastructure components that manage vast amounts of data, optimizing for speed, reliability, and accessibility.
Drive innovation in areas encompassing distributed systems architecture, advanced replication techniques, intelligent caching strategies, and sophisticated transactional database internals.
Collaborate cross-functionally with various Infrastructure and Product teams to align metadata solutions with overarching business objectives and scaling requirements.
Contribute to the ongoing health and performance of mission-critical systems through monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Demonstrated strong experience in designing, building, and operating large-scale distributed systems and databases.
Deep understanding of distributed computing fundamentals, including consensus protocols, fault tolerance, and consistency models.
Proficiency in a systems-level programming language such as Java, Go, C++, or Python.
Experience with database internals, replication, caching strategies, and transactional processing.
Proven ability to tackle complex technical challenges and deliver robust, scalable solutions.
Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
A proactive approach to problem-solving and a passion for working on foundational infrastructure.

What You'll Gain

The unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the core infrastructure relied upon by hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
Exposure to cutting-edge challenges in large-scale distributed systems, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
A clear path for professional growth, including opportunities to develop into a recognized technical leader within the company.
Collaboration with a world-class team of engineers who are passionate about building robust and innovative solutions.
The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote role, empowering you to work effectively from anywhere globally.
A supportive and dynamic culture that values engineering excellence and continuous learning.