Founding Engineering Lead (AI)

Location: Hybrid in San Francisco, California, USA; must be based in San Francisco

Salary: $200,000–$250,000 USD per year, plus equity and possible variable compensation

Company

Datadog provides observability and security products, including support for fast-scaling startups through the Datadog for Startups program.

What you will do

• Run discovery calls with startup CTOs and engineering leads to identify technical needs, quick wins, and competitive positioning.
• Deliver tailored Datadog demos and support technical onboarding and instrumentation.
• Help startups address AI/ML observability, infrastructure scaling, and security challenges.
• Build automation for outreach, reporting, applications, website updates, and other internal workflows.
• Represent Datadog for Startups at demo days, hackathons, conferences, founder dinners, and workshops across San Francisco.
• Build relationships with founders, investors, accelerator partners, and technical communities while developing technical thought leadership.

Requirements

• 5–7+ years of experience in solutions architecture, pre-sales engineering, technical consulting, or a similar customer-facing technical role at a SaaS or cloud company.
• Broad knowledge of cloud infrastructure, containers, Kubernetes, CI/CD, and modern application frameworks.
• Personal interest and hands-on experience with AI tools and emerging technologies.
• Strong consultative, presentation, communication, and technical demonstration skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly, work independently, and operate effectively in ambiguity on a lean team.
• Must be based in San Francisco and actively engaged in the local technology and startup community.

Nice to have

• Startup experience as a founder, early-stage engineer, or consultant/advisor to founders.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid workplace focused on office collaboration and work-life harmony.
• New-hire stock equity through RSUs and an employee stock purchase plan.
• Professional development, product training, career pathing, mentoring, and buddy programs.
• Inclusive culture with Community Guilds and Inclusion Talks focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Global mental health benefits and comprehensive benefits including healthcare, dental, parental planning, 401(k) matching, paid time off, fitness reimbursements, and employee stock purchase discounts.