Netflix’s Data Platform teams are at the forefront of revolutionizing how data is collected, managed, and analyzed on a global scale. By crafting a centralized, scalable, and high-performance data infrastructure, these teams empower every facet of the business to make data-driven decisions that enhance user experiences. Their work ensures that Netflix remains a leader in delivering exceptional entertainment services.
The teams are responsible for building robust data tools that span everything from streaming connectors to exabyte-scale data warehouses. By making complex data systems accessible and actionable, Netflix drives critical business functions like personalized content recommendations, operational analytics, and much more.
Driving Innovation in Distributed Systems Engineering
Netflix’s Data Platform focuses on critical areas such as Big Data Warehousing, Online Data Stores, and Data Movement Platforms. These systems are custom-designed to meet Netflix’s operational demands and ensure scalability, reliability, and efficiency. By leveraging innovative technologies like Iceberg, Kafka, and Flink, the platform pushes the boundaries of distributed systems and supports global operations with unparalleled efficiency.
For example:
- The Big Data Warehouse team optimizes massive datasets stored in Iceberg, a technology pioneered by Netflix and now a widely recognized industry standard.
- The Online Data Stores team manages scalable databases and caching solutions to deliver operational data seamlessly across teams.
- The Data Movement Platform team handles integration across systems with technologies like Spark and Kafka, ensuring real-time data movement at scale.
Collectively, these teams are integral to Netflix’s ability to adapt and thrive in the competitive entertainment landscape.
The Role: Distributed Systems Engineer
At Netflix, Distributed Systems Engineers play a pivotal role in evolving and innovating the infrastructure that underpins the company’s operations. As a part of the Data Platform teams, engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and optimize large-scale systems that support data-driven decision-making.
Netflix is committed to building diverse teams that bring unique perspectives, and this role offers flexibility for remote work within the United States. What truly matters is the impact of your contributions, regardless of where you are based.
Core Focus Areas of Netflix’s Data Platform Teams
1. Big Data Warehouse and Iceberg Team
This team manages Netflix’s extensive data warehouse, which operates at an exabyte scale. Their responsibilities include:
- Developing foundational services for managing critical datasets used across analytics, reporting, and operational insights.
- Optimizing data access for query engines and securing information stored efficiently in S3 using Iceberg.
- Reducing compute, storage, and network costs while adhering to compliance standards.
- Driving innovation by enhancing the Iceberg table format and actively contributing to open-source initiatives.
2. Online Data Stores – Caching, Relational, and Search
The Online Data Stores team supports a variety of scalable data solutions to meet operational needs across Netflix. Their responsibilities include:
- Managing diverse data stores, including caching systems (EVCache, Redis), relational databases (RDS, Aurora, CockroachDB), and search solutions (OpenSearch).
- Improving developer productivity by creating secure, intuitive access layers for operational data.
- Exploring next-generation AI-powered storage solutions, particularly in the area of Retrieval-Augmented Generation.
3. Data Movement Platform – Connectors Team
This team handles batch and streaming data transfers, enabling seamless integration between data repositories and movement platforms. Their expertise includes:
- Developing a flexible data connector platform to streamline the creation of new connectors.
- Utilizing technologies like Spark for batch processing and Kafka/Flink for real-time streaming.
- Supporting databases like Cassandra and PostgreSQL while managing Change Data Capture (CDC) events.
Key Responsibilities of Distributed Systems Engineer
As a Distributed Systems Engineer, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Designing and implementing scalable, robust, and fault-tolerant distributed systems to support Netflix’s evolving infrastructure.
- Addressing real-world challenges with innovative software engineering solutions.
- Leading cross-functional projects in collaboration with product managers, engineers, and technical program managers.
- Sharing insights with the broader open-source community and contributing to Netflix OSS projects.
What Netflix Looks for in Candidates
Netflix seeks candidates who are passionate about distributed systems and possess the following qualifications:
Experience and Technical Skills
- At least two years of experience building or enhancing large-scale distributed systems.
- Expertise in designing RESTful web services and building fault-tolerant, scalable systems.
- Proficiency in object-oriented programming languages like Java.
- Confidence in addressing challenges related to concurrency and multi-threading.
Educational Background
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is typically required. Equivalent professional experience is also valued.
Unique Culture and Work Environment
Netflix has cultivated a work environment that champions inclusivity, diversity, and innovation. The team is composed of individuals from various cultural and professional backgrounds, ranging from engineering to the humanities. This diversity fuels creativity and drives forward-thinking solutions.
Netflix fosters flexibility, enabling team members to explore different roles, take on new challenges, and contribute in unique ways. The company values collaboration and encourages all employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
Compensation and Benefits
Netflix offers a competitive compensation package tailored to attract top talent. Key aspects of the package include:
- Annual Salary: Employees have the flexibility to determine their salary-to-stock ratio annually. The salary range for this role is between $170,000 and $720,000, reflecting the market competitiveness of Netflix’s pay structure.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health coverage, mental health support, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, stock options, disability insurance, family-planning benefits, and life and accident insurance.
- Paid Leave Options: Flexible time off for salaried employees and accrued vacation for hourly employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this a remote position?
Yes, Netflix offers remote opportunities for candidates within the United States. Flexibility in work arrangements ensures you can contribute effectively from anywhere.
2. What technical skills are required?
Candidates need a solid foundation in distributed systems, RESTful web services, object-oriented programming, and multi-threading. Experience with fault-tolerant systems is highly valued.
3. Does Netflix support open-source contributions?
Yes, Netflix encourages its engineers to contribute to open-source projects. Technologies like Iceberg are prime examples of how Netflix drives innovation in the broader tech community.