Role Overview

Join Datadog's eBPF APM team as a Staff Software Engineer - Linux/Kernel in Tel Aviv, Israel, and become the technical owner of our zero-instrumentation observability platform. This cutting-edge system delivers automatic service discovery, Layer 7 protocol classification, traffic decoding, and high-fidelity RED metrics (requests, errors, duration) from both plaintext and TLS-encrypted traffic—without requiring any customer code changes.

Spanning kernel-space eBPF programs, user-space Go services, and large-scale distributed systems, you'll ensure rock-solid reliability across diverse Linux kernels, distributions, runtimes, and real-world production environments. Tackle complex challenges like protocol evolution, TLS detection across languages and frameworks, and performance-critical data collection at massive scale.

As a Staff Engineer at Datadog, you'll drive architecture, influence the roadmap, and act as a technical multiplier—delivering impact through leadership rather than just individual contribution. Shape a foundational observability product powering millions of services worldwide.

Key Responsibilities at Datadog

• Own end-to-end technical areas of the zero-instrumentation APM system, from initial design through long-term evolution and operational maturity
• Architect kernel-level traffic capture, L7 protocol decoding, and metric extraction using state-of-the-art eBPF and Go technologies
• Lead high-impact initiatives solving protocol parsing, TLS visibility, kernel compatibility, and extreme performance challenges
• Set technical standards for reliability, performance, and maintainability across the entire engineering team
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Agent, Tracing, Security, Runtime, and Product teams to align system design and roadmap
• Drive protocol evolution handling and ensure compatibility across diverse Linux environments and customer stacks
• Optimize performance at scale for resource-constrained production deployments
• Leverage AI tools to accelerate development velocity while maintaining exceptional code quality
• Mentor engineers and raise the technical bar through code reviews, architecture discussions, and technical leadership

Qualifications & Requirements

Datadog seeks Staff Software Engineers who thrive at the intersection of systems programming and distributed systems scale:

• Deep backend/systems engineering experience with expert-level Go and/or C/C++ proficiency
• Hands-on Linux kernel expertise including eBPF, networking stacks, or observability tooling
• Proven success building/operating large-scale production systems in complex, heterogeneous environments
• Demonstrated technical leadership influencing architecture without formal authority
• Strong bias toward performance, efficiency, and reliability in production-critical systems
• Excitement to leverage AI-assisted development tools for productivity gains

Datadog values growth mindset. If you're passionate about observability and systems programming, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification.

Salary & Benefits

Datadog offers competitive compensation for Staff Software Engineers in Tel Aviv, including:

• Equity package: New hire RSUs + ESPP participation
• Global mental health benefits covering employees and dependents age 6+
• Comprehensive professional development with career pathing
• Mentor/buddy programs for seamless onboarding
• Inclusive culture with Community Guilds and Inclusion Talks
• Hybrid workplace balancing collaboration and flexibility
• Fitness reimbursements and commuter benefits
• Competitive global benefits package tailored for Israel

Why Join Datadog?

Datadog is the essential monitoring and security platform for cloud applications. Our eBPF APM team powers zero-instrumentation observability at massive scale, trusted by the world's leading engineering organizations. Work on foundational technology that automatically discovers services, classifies protocols, and extracts production metrics without code changes.

Tel Aviv office offers hybrid flexibility with strong in-person collaboration culture. Join a team tackling the hardest systems problems in observability while enjoying Tel Aviv's vibrant tech ecosystem and unbeatable quality of life.

Datadog's inclusive culture welcomes diverse backgrounds through Community Guilds, Inclusion Talks, and global mental health support. Continuous learning through product training, mentorship, and career pathing ensures your professional growth.

How to Apply

Ready to shape the future of cloud observability? Apply now for the Staff Software Engineer - Linux/Kernel position in Tel Aviv. Showcase your eBPF, Linux kernel, and Go expertise. Datadog moves fast—top candidates interview within one week.

Application tips:

• Highlight specific eBPF projects and production impact
• Share Go/C++ systems programming experience
• Demonstrate large-scale distributed systems ownership
• Mention AI development tool experience

Join Datadog and build observability that scales with the cloud-native world. Apply today!