Senior Staff Software Engineer — Layer 7 Security
The Senior Staff Software Engineer on the Layer 7 security team at Confidential Client leads the design and development of advanced, scalable distributed cloud security systems. This role involves defining system architecture, driving technical direction, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver high-performance, secure software that addresses evolving cybersecurity threats. The position emphasizes leadership in engineering best practices, mentoring, and solving complex system challenges in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Computer and Network Security.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
The Layer 7 security team is seeking a Senior Staff Software Engineer to define architecture and lead development of next-generation Layer 7 security capabilities. You will influence product direction, design high-performance systems, and drive delivery of production-grade security technologies that address sophisticated, evolving threats.
- Drive the development of highly scalable, real-time, distributed cloud security systems
- Define and implement robust, high-performance, and maintainable system architectures
- Set technical direction for critical components to ensure scalability, reliability, and security
- Partner with product management, security research, and platform teams to translate complex requirements into executable designs
- Lead end-to-end execution across the software development lifecycle, from concept through deployment and sustainment
- Establish and enforce engineering best practices, including code quality, performance optimization, and secure development
- Mentor senior and junior engineers to elevate the technical capabilities of the organization
- Identify architectural, tooling, and process gaps and drive improvements at an organizational level
- Serve as a technical authority for debugging, performance tuning, and complex system challenges
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related technical field, or equivalent practical/military experience
- 7+ years of professional software engineering experience with significant time in senior technical leadership roles
- Expert-level proficiency in C and strong proficiency in Go
- Extensive experience developing in Unix/Linux environments
- Proven experience designing and building large-scale, high-performance distributed systems
- Deep expertise in networking fundamentals (including TCP/IP internals) and network security technologies
- Advanced experience with multi-threaded, multi-process, and multi-core system design
- Strong foundation in data structures, algorithms, and systems-level performance optimization
- Demonstrated ability to lead architecture and deliver complex, cross-functional initiatives
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with cloud platforms, orchestration systems, and containerized deployments
- Expertise in TLS/SSL internals, cryptography, and libraries such as OpenSSL
- Experience with HTTP protocols and backend service development
- Proficiency in Python for tooling, automation, or system integration
Compensation & Benefits
The posted salary range for this position is:
- $134,600.00 - $217,800.00 per year (base)
Actual pay offered will depend on experience, qualifications, and the work location. The total compensation package may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. Standard benefits and additional details will be provided by the confidential client.
Location & Work Model
This role is based in San Francisco, CA. Our client prefers in-office collaboration and expects teams to work primarily from the office with flexibility as needed.
This role is eligible for immigration sponsorship.
If you require reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact Careertakes to discuss assistance for the hiring process.
Confidential Client Commitment
Our client is committed to building diverse teams and inclusive workplaces. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. Careertakes supports a fair and compliant hiring process and will work with the confidential client to ensure equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in candidate evaluation.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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