Staff Software Engineer - RUM Platform

About the Role

The RUM Platform team is part of Datadog's DEM (Digital Experience Monitoring) pillar, emphasizing the importance of delivering exceptional user experiences through real-time monitoring and analytics. This role requires a deep understanding of complex systems, the ability to navigate ambiguity, and a passion for driving clarity and innovation.

What You Will Do

• Design and evolve platform infrastructure to support frontend observability products across DEM, including RUM, session replay, feature flags, and product analytics.
• Build and scale data pipelines and reducers using technologies such as Kafka and Redis to ingest, transform, and serve real-time user experience data.
• Partner with SDK, FE, and OpenTelemetry contributors to support a growing number of data platforms and open standards in frontend instrumentation.
• Guide cross-functional collaboration by identifying shared patterns and unifying backend infrastructure across multiple product lines.
• Solve ambiguous, high-impact technical problems by applying deep systems knowledge and delivering clear architectural direction.
• Serve as a technical leader and mentor within the RUM organization and broader engineering community at Datadog.
• Collaborate with product teams to understand customer needs and develop solutions that meet those needs.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation to ensure knowledge sharing across the organization.

What We Are Looking For

• Experienced in building scalable, distributed backend systems using technologies such as Kafka, Redis, and Java.
• Comfortable managing complex data pipelines and translating diverse data sources into semantically aligned, actionable insights.
• Skilled at navigating ambiguity and driving clarity across multiple teams and product surfaces.
• Familiar with open standards in observability, such as OpenTelemetry, and excited to contribute to a broader ecosystem.
• Proactive and hands-on, with the ability to dive into unclear problem spaces and turn them into reliable, performant systems.
• Strong technical leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote environment.
• Passion for software engineering and a desire to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technology.

Nice to Have

• Experience with AI coding tools and the ability to validate, critique, and refine AI-generated output.
• Motivation to push the boundaries of how AI can improve software engineering best practices and contribute to building AI-enabled products.
• Knowledge of cloud-based technologies and experience with cloud migration.
• Experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git.

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 Datadog's Community Guilds (employee resource groups).
• Flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company.

• To stand out in your application, highlight your experience with distributed backend systems and your ability to drive technical innovation.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to solving complex technical problems and your experience with architectural design.
• Showcase your passion for software engineering and your desire to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technology.
• Familiarize yourself with Datadog's products and services, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's goals.
• Consider creating a personal project or contributing to open-source projects to demonstrate your skills and passion for software engineering.
• Practice your communication and collaboration skills, as these are essential for success in a remote work environment.
• Research Datadog's company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to and thrive in this environment.