Technical Support Engineer

Don’t let the quirky name fool you: At MotherDuck, we’re on a mission to make data warehousing fun, frictionless, and ducking awesome for developers and data practitioners building blazing fast internal and customer-facing analytics experiences. We're building a cloud-hosted version of DuckDB, working hand-in-hand with the creators of the fastest-growing and fastest-improving query engine on the planet. Unlike other databases, MotherDuck was architected to unify local development with cloud operations to bridge the gap between software and data engineering workflows. Our team is a mix of thoughtful, passionate, and empathetic data industry veterans.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Support Engineer to join our dynamic team at MotherDuck. The ideal candidate will be proficient in SQL, possess a deep understanding of databases, networking, and data engineering, and have strong troubleshooting skills. This role requires high customer empathy and the ability to effectively communicate technical solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences. As a Support Engineer, you will play a critical role in helping our customers resolve technical challenges and ensuring a seamless user experience with MotherDuck's data platform solutions.

This role is based in our Seattle HQ.

Key Responsibilities:

• SQL Expertise: Use SQL to query, troubleshoot, and optimize database performance, providing insights and resolutions to customer data-related issues.

• Technical Troubleshooting: Diagnose, analyze, and resolve complex customer issues related to our software, database, and networking environments.

• Customer Support: Provide exceptional support to MotherDuck customers by understanding their challenges, effectively communicating solutions, and ensuring issues are resolved promptly.

• Networking Knowledge: Assist customers in identifying and troubleshooting network-related issues, including connectivity problems, configurations, and protocols.

• Data Engineering Understanding: Collaborate with internal teams and customers to troubleshoot data pipelines, ETL processes, and integrations with data platforms.

• Incident Management: Manage technical incidents from initial reporting through to resolution, ensuring proper documentation and communication at each step.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the engineering, product, and customer success teams to ensure customer issues are properly prioritized and resolved.

• Knowledge Base Contribution: Contribute to internal and external documentation, including FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and best practices to enhance customer self-service.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the support function.

• Experience as a Support Engineer or similar role.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Informatics, a related field preferred or equivalent professional experience.

• Excellent communication skills with a customer-first mindset, able to explain complex technical issues to non-technical users with patience and clarity.

• Demonstrated ability to write, understand, and optimize SQL queries to troubleshoot and resolve database issues.

• Proven ability to identify, diagnose, and resolve technical issues with a high level of customer empathy.

• Technical Knowledge:

  • Solid understanding of networking protocols, IP addressing, DNS, and general networking concepts.

  • Familiarity with databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) and data engineering concepts (ETL pipelines, data warehousing).

  • Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, NodeJS, Java) to automate troubleshooting tasks.

  • Experience with data engineering tools like dbt, Airflow, Spark or similar platforms.

• Experience with support ticketing systems, remote troubleshooting tools, and monitoring platforms.

• Analytical mindset with a focus on identifying root causes and preventing future issues.

• Collaborative attitude, able to work across teams to solve customer challenges efficiently.

• “They just saved my launch – I had no idea who to turn to, and they walked me through it like a pro.”

• “Every time I talk to them, I leave smarter. It’s like having a database therapist on call.”

• “I’ve never seen someone turn a gnarly SQL problem into such a clean solution, and still make me laugh along the way.”

• “Honestly, I forget they’re Support. They feel like part of my team.”

• Feather-ruffling compensation – competitive salary and stock options so you have a stake in our flock’s success.

• Top-notch healthcare coverage – 100% paid medical, dental, and vision for employees, plus 80% coverage for dependents (because we care about your whole nest).

• Flexible PTO – take the time you need to recharge, explore, or just have a lazy day by the pond.

• 401k plan – because even ducks need to plan for the future.

• Legendary company events – we bring the whole flock together twice a year for unforgettable summits in fun locations, plus 1-2 team gatherings a year to keep our bonds strong.

• Hybrid work environment – Spend three days a week in the office collaborating with the flock, and work from wherever you’re most productive the rest of the time—whether that’s your home office, a coffee shop, or a peaceful lakeside retreat.

Does this role sound appealing to you, but you’re missing some of the requirements or don’t quite think you’re qualified?  Please apply anyway. Research has shown that underrepresented groups in technology often shy away from roles which aren’t a 100% match. We aim to build a diverse team and will strongly consider applicants who bring many of the requirements plus have other experiences which round out their qualifications.

MotherDuck is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. MotherDuck is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and mental disabilities.