Staff Software Engineer, Server Networking Security (Rust)

About the Role and Team

Join the Server Ingress Security team at MongoDB as they redesign the ingress networking layer to enhance cluster security. This new team develops the Atlas Network Protection layer, delivering high-performance, security-critical services that safeguard MongoDB's pre-authentication exposure and enable rapid response to emerging threats. As a founding Staff Software Engineer member, you will be pivotal in driving the team's multi-year strategic roadmap.

Our workplace culture emphasizes inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration. We seek a technical leader who values teamwork and applies systems and security engineering principles to protect a widely-used database platform at scale.

The role is based in Cork, Ireland, with a hybrid working model involving onsite presence.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum of a decade's experience building robust, production-grade system software with extensive user bases and high code quality standards.
• Experience working on large backend or compiled codebases, with performance-critical considerations; expert knowledge of Rust programming is preferred.
• Hands-on experience in security-sensitive or networking-related areas is advantageous.
• Solid foundations in systems programming, including multithreading and performance optimization techniques.
• Further strengths include understanding of networking protocols, TLS, connection management, and security concepts such as reducing attack surfaces, input validation, memory safety, and layered defense architectures.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical ideas to audiences ranging from junior engineers to executives.
• Strong mentorship abilities, eager to elevate peers and teammates through coaching and feedback.
• Excellent time management and realistic evaluation of project complexities.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent practical expertise, with deep knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and software design. An interest in high-availability and security-focused systems is essential.
• A passion for continuous learning within computer science and software engineering fields.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the technical vision and strategy for the Ingress Security component, collaborating across Server, Atlas, SRE, and Product Security teams.
• Own and execute technical plans addressing complex, ambiguous, and critical security and networking challenges.
• Design, develop, and maintain production-grade security services written in Rust, prioritizing security, correctness, efficiency, and operational excellence.
• Partner with engineering leaders and cross-functional teams to advance MongoDB's ingress security capabilities.
• Provide expert guidance on engineering complexities, risks, and dependencies across projects.
• Handle urgent escalations and production incidents requiring specialized Ingress Security knowledge.
• Identify bugs, test failures, and performance regressions in existing codebases, driving fixes and improvements.
• Participate actively in interviewing candidates and support leadership in cultivating a strong engineering talent pipeline.
• Stay current with advancements in systems security, network security, and safe systems programming from both academic and industry research.

Success Milestones

• Within one month: Grasp the Atlas Network Protection layer architecture, set up development tools, and resolve initial bugs.
• Within three months: Make significant Rust contributions to ongoing projects, engage in code reviews and feature design discussions.
• Within six months: Independently lead feature development efforts and mentor newer team members.
• Within twelve months: Spearhead planning, design, and execution of major advancements in security, availability, performance, or operational capabilities.

About MongoDB

MongoDB powers innovation at market speed with a unified data platform optimized for the AI era. Supporting over 67,000 customers worldwide, including major enterprises, MongoDB enables modern cloud-native data solutions across AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.

Our culture is anchored by a Leadership Commitment promoting supportive and inclusive practices for all employees. We offer diverse benefits such as employee affinity groups, fertility assistance, and generous parental leave policies to encourage personal and professional growth.

MongoDB is an equal opportunity employer committed to accessibility and will provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.