Senior Staff Software Engineer - Observability & Data Platform - Federal

It all started in sunny San Diego, California in 2004 when a visionary engineer, Fred Luddy, saw the potential to transform how we work. Fast forward to today — ServiceNow stands as a global market leader, bringing innovative AI-enhanced technology to over 8,100 customers, including 85% of the Fortune 500®. Our intelligent cloud-based platform seamlessly connects people, systems, and processes to empower organizations to find smarter, faster, and better ways to work. But this is just the beginning of our journey. Join us as we pursue our purpose to make the world work better for everyone.

What you get to do in this role:

• Contribute to building ServiceNow's Observability and Data platform.
• Design and create reference architectures for distributed systems.
• Build high-quality, clean, scalable, and reusable code by enforcing best practices around software engineering architecture and processes (Code Reviews, Unit Testing, etc.).
• Partner with product owners to understand detailed requirements and own your code from design, implementation, test automation, and delivery of high-quality products to users.
• Implement software that is simple to use, allowing customers to extend and customize functionality to meet their specific needs.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of new products and features while enhancing the existing product suite.
• Lead a team of engineers in delivering products.
• Mentor colleagues and help promote best practices, quality code, and knowledge-sharing.

To be successful in this role you have:

• A minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; 8 years with a Master’s degree; or 5 years with a PhD; or equivalent experience in Observability, Data Lake, and Big Data domains.
• Experience leveraging or critically evaluating how to integrate AI into work processes, decision-making, or problem-solving. This may include using AI-powered tools, automating workflows, analyzing AI-driven insights, or exploring AI’s potential impact on functions or industries.
• Experience developing AI-native applications in a production environment.
• Experience using AI productivity tools such as Windsurf, Cursor, etc., is a plus.
• 8+ years of hands-on backend development with experience in Java.
• Advanced knowledge of data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, design patterns, fault-tolerant architecture, and performance/scale considerations.
• Strong knowledge and/or experience with data modeling, tuning, and design across multiple database types such as TimeSeries, log databases, and Postgres.
• A proven track record of delivering innovative platform capabilities or products.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments where priorities evolve quickly.
• Strong design and implementation experience, with deep knowledge of distributed systems, service architectures, and hyperscaler environments.
• Experience with Unix shell and Kubernetes is a must.
• Aptitude for learning new technologies quickly.

Work Personas

We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements. 

Accommodations

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply, please contact [email protected] for assistance. 

Export Control Regulations

For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities. 

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