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Duckdb Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Principal Engineer

Mesa, AZ · On-site +1

$180K - $230K/yr

You will be part of the team building a data focused product that is built on best of breed open source solutions like Kafka, Trino, DuckDB, and Superset. You will work both on backend and frontend ...

Duckdb information

What is DuckDB?

DuckDB is an in-process SQL OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) database management system designed for fast analytical data processing. Unlike traditional client-server databases, DuckDB runs directly within your application and works well with data science tools and workflows. It is lightweight, easy to install, and supports SQL queries on data stored in CSV, Parquet, and other formats, making it popular for data analysis and research use cases.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with DuckDB in data engineering roles?

Professionals using DuckDB in data engineering often encounter challenges such as optimizing query performance for large-scale datasets, integrating DuckDB with existing data pipelines, and ensuring compatibility with various data formats and sources. Additionally, since DuckDB is relatively new compared to other database systems, users may find limited community support or resources for advanced use cases. Collaborating with data scientists and analysts is key, as DuckDB is often used for interactive analytics, requiring close communication to tailor solutions that meet both performance and usability needs.

What is the difference between Duckdb vs Data Analyst?

AspectDuckdbData Analyst
Primary RoleEmbedded analytical database engine for data processingInterprets data, creates reports, and provides insights
Required SkillsSQL, data management, database integrationData visualization, statistical analysis, SQL
Work EnvironmentDevelopers, data engineers, embedded systemsBusiness environments, analytics teams, offices
CertificationsNone specific, SQL knowledge preferredCertified Data Analyst, SQL certifications

Duckdb is a database engine used mainly by developers and data engineers for embedded data processing, while Data Analysts focus on interpreting data and generating insights. Both roles require SQL skills, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DuckDB developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DuckDB Developer, you need strong SQL proficiency, a background in database management, and experience with analytical data processing, ideally supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with DuckDB, data integration tools, and programming languages such as Python or R is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient data analysis, seamless database integration, and the ability to convey insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What can I do with DuckDB?

DuckDB is an embedded analytical database engine used for data analysis, querying large datasets efficiently, and integrating with data science workflows. It supports SQL queries, works with programming languages like Python and R, and is suitable for data exploration, reporting, and building data pipelines. Job roles involving DuckDB often require knowledge of SQL, data analysis, and database management.
What are popular job titles related to Duckdb jobs in Arizona? For Duckdb jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Duckdb jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Duckdb job openings:
Infographic showing various Duckdb job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 82% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution.

Principal Engineer

Raft Company Website

Mesa, AZ • On-site, Remote

$180K - $230K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Who we are:

Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional defense tech company dedicated to empowering U.S. military and government agencies with cutting-edge AI/ML and data solutions. We are a leader in autonomous data fusion and Agentic AI, with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development. With headquarters in McLean, VA, our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

About the role:

You will be part of the team building a data focused product that is built on best of breed open source solutions like Kafka, Trino, DuckDB, and Superset. You will work both on backend and frontend to build end-to-end features that make interacting with data easier enabling users to be able to tell a data story through our product.

What we are looking for:

  • 8+ Years of experience building RESTFul APIs to take concept to implementation in one of the following languages: Go (preferred), Java, Python, Rust (nice to have), and Scala
  • 5+ Years of experience in frontend frameworks like React with a focus on Typescript or Javascript
  • Deep design of software design and architecture
  • Experience with large-scale relational and non-relational databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and Elasticsearch to handle low-latency requirements
  • Experience with building and releasing software in cloud-native environments
  • Experience using a variety of package managers/dependency managers including Maven, Gradle, and NPM
  • Experience with Docker and Kubernetes, including containerizing solutions and working with distributed clusters
  • Experience working with AI coding assistants
  • Demonstrated ability to take on large responsibilities and own complex work or project lifecycles
  • STEM Background or relevant industry experience
  • Able to obtain Security+ certification within 90 days of employment with Raft

Highly preferred:

  • Experience with Kafka or RabbitMQ
    Experience with Delta Lake
    Experience with AWS or Azure

Clearance Requirements:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance

Work Type: 

  • Hybrid in Mesa, AZ. 
  • May require up to 35% travel

Salary Range: $180,000 - $230,000 

  • The determination of compensation is predicated upon a candidate's comprehensive experience, demonstrated skill, and proven abilities

What we will offer you:

  • Highly competitive salary
  • Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) and company match
  • Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
  • Education & training benefits
  • Team off-site in fun places!
  • Generous Referral Bonuses
  • And More!

Our Vision Statement: 

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission. 

Our Customer Obsession: 

We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there? 

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking, and collaboration is a norm. 

Raft's core philosophy is Ubuntu: I Am, Because We are. We support our "nadi" by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.