Distinguished Software Engineer – Observability

Job Description

Role: Distinguished Software Engineer – Observability
Location: Sunnyvale, California (U.S.)
Level: Very senior / technical leadership

This is a high-level engineering leadership role focused on building and guiding large-scale observability systems (tools that monitor, analyze, and improve system performance).

What You’d Do

• Lead architecture and design of large, cloud-based distributed systems
• Build real-time telemetry and monitoring systems (metrics, logging, tracing, alerts)
• Work with technologies like:
  • Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Kubernetes & containers
  • Data pipelines, streaming (e.g., Kafka)
• Use AI/analytics for anomaly detection and predictions
• Collaborate across teams (engineers, data scientists, product managers)
• Drive technical vision, research, and innovation in observability

👉 In short: you’re a top-level technical expert shaping how Walmart monitors its massive systems.

Requirements

• Either:
  • Bachelor’s + ~6 years experience, or
  • ~8+ years experience (minimum baseline)
• In practice, the role expects:
  • Deep expertise in distributed systems + cloud architecture
  • Strong Java and backend engineering skills
  • Experience leading large-scale engineering projects

Key Skills

• Distributed systems (scalability, fault tolerance)
• Observability tools (metrics, logs, tracing, APM)
• Data systems (databases, pipelines, streaming)
• Cloud-native development
• Strong communication + leadership

Pay & Benefits (high-level)

• Very high salary range (roughly $130K–$338K depending on location)
• Bonuses + stock options
• Health, PTO, retirement plans
• Free education programs (Live Better U)

Bottom Line

This is not an entry-level job—it’s a principal/distinguished engineer role where you:

• Lead major technical systems
• Influence company-wide architecture
• Work on cutting-edge cloud + data systems