Forward Deployed Engineering Lead (Observability)

TL;DR

Forward Deployed Engineering Lead (Observability): Leading and scaling the Forward Deployed Engineering function for startups with an accent on building technical operating models and accelerating customer time-to-value. Focus on designing FDE frameworks, managing technical talent, and translating field feedback into product roadmap improvements.

Location: Hybrid in New York, NY, USA

Salary: $192,000 — $240,000 USD

Company

Datadog is a leading observability and security platform for cloud-scale applications.

What you will do

• Evolve and scale the FDE operating model end-to-end, including engagement intake, scoping, and success metrics.
• Build a catalog of FDE offerings covering observability quickstarts, AI/LLM accelerators, and cost optimization.
• Capture product gaps during deployments and translate them into structured briefs to inform the product roadmap.
• Hire, onboard, and coach full-time FDEs and manage rotating SWE/TSE secondments.
• Drive lightweight engineering sprints to convert recurring customer needs into reusable assets.
• Partner with Sales, Solutions Engineering, and Customer Success to identify high-value accounts and serve as a trusted advisor.

Requirements

• Must be based in New York, NY for a hybrid work arrangement.
• 8+ years of experience in forward deployed engineering, solutions architecture, or software engineering.
• 2+ years of engineering management or technical leadership experience.
• Proven track record of scaling technical programs in high-growth technology companies.
• Deep familiarity with cloud-native stacks (Kubernetes, AWS/GCP/Azure) and observability/APM platforms.
• Must be eligible for required authorizations from the US government to conform to export control regulations.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to shape and scale a strategic function with high visibility across Engineering, Product, and Sales leadership.
• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and mental health benefits.
• 401(k) plan with company match and a discounted employee stock purchase plan.
• Paid time off and fitness reimbursements.
• Work environment focused on collaboration, creativity, and work-life harmony.