Senior Software Engineer, Big Data

Job Description

Are you ready to revolutionize the advertising industry?

At Cognitiv, we are not just another AdTech company—we are industry trailblazers redefining media buying with our Deep Learning Advertising Platform. Since 2015, we have harnessed the power of cutting-edge deep learning technology and data science to transform how brands connect with their customers. Our mission? To bring intelligence to advertising and deliver unparalleled precision, relevance, and impact at scale.

With our innovative platform, advertisers enjoy unprecedented flexibility—whether it is activating Dynamic Deals through their preferred DSP, leveraging our managed service DSP, or utilizing our industry-first ContextGPT product. As a part of Cognitiv, you will be at the forefront of AI-driven advertising solutions, driving change and achieving remarkable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.

Now, we’re growing—and looking for a Senior Software Engineer, Big Data to join our team!

The Role

As a Senior Software Engineer, Big Data, you’ll design and scale data-intensive systems that power Cognitiv’s AI-driven products. You’ll work across high-volume, low-latency data environments—building the infrastructure that keeps billions of ad requests running smoothly and intelligently.

You’ll collaborate closely with ML, data science, and platform engineering teams to create efficient, scalable, and reliable systems—bringing cutting-edge AI into production at scale.

What You Will Do

Architect and build large-scale systems. You will design and develop distributed, high-performance backend systems that process massive datasets in real time.

Scale data pipelines that drive intelligence. You will optimize SQL and Spark workloads to handle terabytes of data efficiently and cost-effectively.

Collaborate across disciplines. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with ML engineers, data scientists, and product teams to bring experimental models into production.

Influence design and direction. You will own system design decisions and set best practices for performance, reliability, and maintainability.

Operate and optimize in the cloud. You will deploy and manage services in AWS (and occasionally Azure or GCP) with a focus on automation, resilience, and observability.

Tech Stack

Who You Are

Seasoned and curious engineer. You bring 7+ years of experience in backend engineering using a managed language like Java or .NET.

Data-driven problem solver. You thrive on complex data challenges, optimizing pipelines and infrastructure to handle massive data volumes efficiently.

Collaborative and impact-oriented. You enjoy working in cross-functional teams and believe your work should make a visible impact on real-world outcomes.

Bonus Points If You Have

Experience designing large-scale distributed systems

Expertise in high-volume, low-latency environments

Hands-on Python experience for data and backend tasks

What You'll Find At Cognitiv

Festiv – We make work fun with cross-team games, events, and creative team bonding.

Responsiv – You’ll be close to clients and leadership, influencing real outcomes.

Inclusiv – Diversity and individuality are celebrated across all levels.

Inventiv – We reward curiosity and embrace bold ideas.

Transformativ – We support your growth with training, mentorship, and flexibility.

Collaborativ – We operate across coasts, connected by purpose and teamwork.

Location & Compensation

Location: Bellevue (hybrid: 3 days in-office, 2 days remote)

Salary: $160,000-$220,000 Base Salary + Equity

Compensation is based on experience, skills, and other factors. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards at Cognitiv—you’ll also receive equity and a comprehensive benefits package.

Highlights include:

Medical, dental & vision coverage (some plans 100% employer-paid)

12 weeks paid parental leave

Unlimited PTO + Work-From-Anywhere August

Career development with clear advancement paths

Equity for all employees

Hybrid work model & daily team lunch

Health & wellness stipend + cell phone reimbursement

401(k) with employer match

Parking (CA & WA offices) & pre-tax commuter benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Comprehensive onboarding (Cognitiv University)