Software Architect

Senior Software Engineer / Software Architect – Enterprise Observability (Datadog)

Job Description

This role is for a Senior Software Engineer/Architect who will lead the design, development, and operation of enterprise observability solutions using Datadog across complex, mission‑critical environments. You will create robust, scalable software architectures, drive major technical initiatives, and guide the implementation of observability strategies for applications, infrastructure, cloud services, and security monitoring. Operating with significant autonomy, you will influence technical decisions, mentor engineers, and ensure the delivery of high‑quality, reliable software systems that support demanding national security and large‑scale enterprise missions.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement robust, scalable software architectures that meet complex business and technical requirements.
• Write clean, efficient, and maintainable code to solve complex technical challenges and support observability initiatives.
• Lead development efforts for significant projects, ensuring code quality, performance, reliability, and adherence to best practices.
• Exercise discretion in determining technical approaches and solutions for critical and high‑impact assignments.
• Develop and implement scalable observability strategies using Datadog for applications, infrastructure, cloud services, and security monitoring.
• Architect Datadog dashboards, monitors, and alerting frameworks tailored to business, operational, and reliability requirements.
• Lead deployment and configuration of Datadog agents, integrations, and APIs across hybrid and multi‑cloud environments, including AWS, Azure, GCP, and on‑premises systems.
• Integrate Datadog with CI/CD pipelines, logging systems, and collaboration tools such as Slack and ServiceNow to enable automated monitoring and alerting.
• Configure Datadog for infrastructure monitoring, application performance monitoring (APM), and synthetic tracing.
• Build and maintain complex automation using Python, Bash, PowerShell, YAML, Lambda functions, and shell scripts to support end‑to‑end observability and DevOps workflows.
• Conduct thorough code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and enforce coding standards and best practices.
• Mentor junior engineers, fostering their technical growth and promoting a culture of quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the full software development lifecycle for assigned projects, from planning and design through implementation, testing, deployment, and ongoing support.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, other engineering teams, and business stakeholders to define requirements, priorities, and timelines.
• Ensure technical solutions align with broader business objectives, balancing immediate project needs with long‑term maintainability, scalability, and security.
• Contribute actively to technical decision‑making processes, offering strategic insight into architecture, tools, and implementation patterns.
• Apply strong analytical skills to evaluate complex technical challenges, assess risks and opportunities, and propose effective solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues, optimizing existing systems for improved performance, reliability, and observability.
• Actively participate in knowledge sharing through documentation, tech talks, and other forums to elevate the overall technical capabilities of the team.
• Demonstrate leadership by setting clear goals, motivating team members, and driving projects to successful and timely completion.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, clearly explaining technical concepts, trade‑offs, and recommendations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience, or a High School Diploma/GED and at least 9 years of relevant experience.
• Strong development background with hands‑on experience in Python, Bash, PowerShell, and YAML.
• Proficiency in building complex Lambda functions and shell scripts to support end‑to‑end automation.
• Proven experience as a Cloud DevOps and Automation Engineer.
• Hands‑on experience enabling Datadog infrastructure monitoring and application performance monitoring (APM).
• Experience configuring Datadog for synthetic tracing.
• Hands‑on experience with version control systems such as Git, AWS CodeCommit, and SVN, including practical use of branching strategies.
• Strong understanding of DevOps principles and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience integrating CI/CD pipelines with external API‑based solutions to create automated guardrails and gates for infrastructure deployments.
• Strong analytical skills to assess risks and opportunities in technical projects, including evaluation of intangibles.
• Exceptional communication skills for effective collaboration across diverse technical and non‑technical teams.
• Strategic thinking to anticipate future challenges and opportunities related to emerging concepts, products, and technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership ability to inspire and guide teams, set clear goals, and lead by example.
• Willingness to obtain a Datadog APM and Distributed Tracing Fundamentals Certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust 6C clearance.
• U.S. citizenship.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Active Datadog APM and Distributed Tracing Fundamentals Certification is preferred.
• Active Public Trust clearance is preferred.
• Experience working in hybrid and multi‑cloud environments, including AWS, Azure, GCP, and on‑premises infrastructure.
• Experience integrating Datadog with collaboration and ITSM tools such as Slack and ServiceNow.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies, tools, and methodologies.
• Strong problem‑solving skills to address complex technical challenges and guide teams through implementation.
• Experience contributing to technical documentation, knowledge sharing sessions, or internal tech talks.
• Interest in or experience with large‑scale, mission‑critical systems supporting areas such as intelligence, defense, cyber, or space programs.

Work Environment

This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from your home office while collaborating with a distributed, high‑performing engineering team. You will work with modern cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP, and leverage tools including Datadog, CI/CD pipelines, version control systems (Git, AWS CodeCommit, SVN), scripting languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell), and automation frameworks. The work centers on high‑impact, mission‑critical national security and large‑scale enterprise systems, providing exposure to complex infrastructure, cloud modernization initiatives, secure networks, and advanced enterprise architectures. The environment emphasizes technical excellence, continuous learning, collaboration, and long‑term career growth, with strong opportunities for advancement and stability in a highly dynamic and impactful domain.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Herndon, VA.

The pay range for this position is $90.00 - $95.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.