Senior Software Engineer - Linux Kernel/eBPF

About the role

The Cloud Network Monitoring (CNM) team at Datadog is responsible for developing the agent-side instrumentation that captures network activity at the kernel level. This includes building eBPF programs to provide deep visibility into network health and signals across various Linux distributions and kernel versions. The team works closely with product teams to ensure their eBPF-based products have access to shared eBPF functionality.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the end-to-end development of Network Monitoring features, from ideation to implementation within the Datadog Agent
• Build and maintain shared eBPF functionality for product teams to use in their eBPF-based products
• Investigate and debug complex production issues that span the kernel, eBPF programs, and agent runtime
• Research, prototype, develop, and document solutions to hard problems in the eBPF and network monitoring space
• Provide technical input to product and architecture decisions

Requirements

Possess deep technical experience in Linux kernel development, whether through eBPF, core kernel contributions, or engineering low-level systems. Demonstrate a robust understanding of fundamental network protocols, including TCP and UDP. Have a proven track record of architecting and building high-throughput, low-latency infrastructure. Bring 5+ years of experience engineering complex applications and tooling, with the ability to reason about systems in depth. Prioritize solving customer-facing problems by building elegant, high-impact products that users love. Thrive in fast-paced environments, taking full ownership of initiatives and driving them to resolution with minimal guidance. Genuinely enjoy tackling hard technical problems and feel energized by navigating complex challenges across the full stack. Collaborate effectively within a team-oriented environment to achieve shared goals.

Qualifications

Experience with Linux kernel development, eBPF, and core kernel contributions. Strong understanding of fundamental network protocols, including TCP and UDP. 5+ years of experience engineering complex applications and tooling. Ability to reason about systems in depth. Passionate about solving customer-facing problems. Thriving in fast-paced environments. Enjoy tackling hard technical problems and navigating complex challenges across the full stack. Effective collaboration within a team-oriented environment.

Skills

Deep technical expertise in Linux kernel development, eBPF, and core kernel contributions. Robust understanding of fundamental network protocols, including TCP and UDP. Experience in building high-throughput, low-latency infrastructure. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to architect elegant, high-impact products. Experience in debugging complex production issues. Ability to research, prototype, and document solutions to hard problems in the eBPF and network monitoring space. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Benefits

Includes new hire stock equity (RSUs), employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), continuous professional development, product training, and career pathing. Intra-departmental mentor and buddy program for in-house networking. Access to Inclusion Talks, internal panel discussions, free, global Spring Health benefits for employees and dependents age 6+, competitive global benefits, and a wide range of best-in-class, comprehensive, and inclusive employee benefits including healthcare, dental, parental planning, and mental health benefits, a 401(k) plan and match, paid time off, fitness reimbursements, and a discounted employee stock purchase plan. The reasonably estimated yearly salary for this role at Datadog is: $244,000—$305,000 USD.