JobsBackendSenior Distributed Systems Engineer
Censys

Censys

·

Backend

Senior Distributed Systems Engineer

RemoteSeniorPosted Aug 17, 2026
GoAWSKafkaKubernetesgRPCCassandraGCPAI+9 more

About this role

Build highly-available, scalable data-driven services for Internet-wide scanning, DNS resolution, and certificate ingestion. Work on the Internet Map Connections team to find and attribute ownership to assets and understand how Internet assets relate to one another.

Must have

5+ years of software engineering experience building distributed systems

Experience with object-oriented programming in Go

Experience with at least one cloud provider such as AWS, Azure, or GCP

Experience or familiarity with message queue technologies like Kafka or Kinesis

Experience working with databases such as BigTable, Cloud Spanner, HBase, or Cassandra

Understanding of core distributed systems concepts such as scalability, fault tolerance, and reliability

Ability to write understandable, testable code with an eye towards maintainability

Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with engineers and product managers

Technologies

AWSGitDockerRESTKafkaMicroservicesGCPMachine learningSecurityData engineeringCassandraBig dataAIgRPCKubernetesGoCI/CD

Responsibilities

Build large scale, real-time services and applications leveraging massive datasets for internal APIs and external applications

Build tooling, libraries, frameworks, and services supporting security, research and data platform initiatives

Productionize prototypes into reliable internal tools, services, or platform capabilities

Participate in planning and technical discussions with engineering and product teams

Develop and maintain data pipelines, messaging systems, databases, caching layers, and cloud or on-prem services

Work with Machine Learning Engineers and Security Researchers to realize solutions affecting security outcomes

Benefits

EquityHealth insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceRetirement benefits with matchWellness platform with incentivesFlexible PTOParental leaveProfessional development

Recruitment process

1

Remote position within the United States

2

Internet Map Connections team focused on Internet-wide scanning and data attribution

3

Work iteratively while thinking about big picture platform architecture

4

Consider ongoing maintenance, monitoring, delivery, and developer experience in all work

5

High cost of living range is $174,000-$206,000 USD plus bonus and equity

6

Pay range localized by factor of 83%-100% based on work location

7

Cameras required on during video interviews

8

In-person onboarding at HQ in Ann Arbor, Michigan if hired

9

Not engaging with third-party recruiting agencies for this role