Staff Software Engineer - K9 Security

Datadog·Remote(Portugal, Remote)

Software Development

Excel

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for skilled software engineers in security has skyrocketed, with a 25% increase in job postings over the past year. Datadog, a leader in cloud-based monitoring and security, is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to lead the development of low-level Linux instrumentation and runtime security technologies. With the rise of cloud-native workloads, the need for experts who can navigate Linux internals, eBPF, and performance-sensitive systems has never been more pressing. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their technical expertise and passion for security. As a remote role, this position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking a better work-life balance.

Job Description

About the Role

Datadog's Security Agent team is responsible for powering critical security capabilities across Workload Protection, Vulnerability Management, Cloud Security products, and other emerging security offerings. As a Staff Software Engineer on this team, you will play a key role in leading the design and development of low-level Linux instrumentation and runtime security technologies that help customers detect threats, monitor system activity, and protect cloud-native workloads at scale.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Linux internals, kernel APIs, and systems programming, as well as hands-on experience with eBPF, kernel-level instrumentation, driver development, networking systems, agent development, or related low-level technologies. You will work on complex technical challenges, influence technical direction across multiple product teams, and drive end-to-end delivery of new features.

What You Will Do

Lead the architecture and development of security agent capabilities that power runtime threat detection and workload protection across Datadog Security products
Design and build reusable eBPF-based monitoring functionality for process, file, and network visibility within Linux environments
Drive end-to-end delivery of new features, from technical strategy and design through implementation, testing, and rollout
Establish and evolve testing methodologies that improve platform coverage, detection quality, reliability, and performance
Partner with product, security, infrastructure, and engineering teams to deliver shared platform capabilities used across multiple Datadog products
Provide technical leadership by influencing engineering direction, mentoring peers, and helping resolve complex cross-functional challenges
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical innovation and excellence
Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies, applying this knowledge to improve the security posture of Datadog's products
Develop and maintain technical documentation, ensuring that it is accurate, complete, and easily accessible

What We Are Looking For

Significant experience building software in Linux environments, including knowledge of Linux internals, kernel APIs, or systems programming
Hands-on experience with eBPF, kernel-level instrumentation, driver development, networking systems, agent development, or related low-level technologies
Experience building and running systems where performance and reliability actually matter
Experience building and maintaining production software across diverse Linux distributions and kernel versions
Product-minded and customer-focused, balancing technical excellence with customer impact and usability
Demonstrated technical leadership, influencing architecture and execution across teams while communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and software design patterns
Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions

Nice to Have

Experience with cloud-based security products and technologies
Knowledge of security frameworks, regulations, and compliance standards
Familiarity with agile development methodologies and version control systems
Experience with containerization technologies, such as Docker
Certification in security, Linux, or a related field

Benefits and Perks

Competitive salary and benefits package
New hire stock equity (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
Continuous professional development, product training, and career pathing
Intradepartmental mentor and buddy program for in-house networking
An inclusive company culture, with the ability to join our Community Guilds (Datadog employee resource groups)
Competitive global benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off
Remote work stipend and flexible work arrangements
Access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects
Opportunities for career growth and professional development

How to Stand Out

To stand out, showcase your experience with eBPF and Linux internals, and be prepared to discuss your approach to designing and building reusable monitoring functionality
Develop a strong understanding of the company's products and technologies, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their development
Highlight your problem-solving skills, and provide examples of complex problems you've analyzed and solved in the past
Be prepared to discuss your experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems
Show enthusiasm for the company's mission and values, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to its success
Research the company's culture and be prepared to discuss how you can thrive in a remote work environment

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