Solution Architect, Datadog for Startups

About the Role

The Datadog for Startups (DDFS) program helps the next generation of fast-scaling companies adopt best-in-class observability and security from day one. We're looking for the technical engine of this program to own the technical motion end-to-end: discovery calls, demos, startup enablement, forward-deployed engineering projects, and representing Datadog at founder events across San Francisco.

This role is part solutions architect, part technical consultant, and part startup evangelist on a lean, five-person team.

What You'll Do

• Run discovery calls with startup CTOs and engineering leads to identify quick wins, validate technical needs, and position Datadog against alternatives like Grafana, New Relic, Sentry, and ClickHouse.
• Deliver tailored Datadog demos and help startups get instrumented quickly—removing friction, showcasing value, and ensuring smooth technical onboarding, particularly around AI/ML observability, infrastructure scaling, and security.
• Build automation to improve internal team workflows (e.g., outreach, reporting, application processes, and website updates).
• Represent Datadog for Startups at accelerator demo days, hackathons, conferences, founder dinners, and workshops across San Francisco.
• Build relationships across SF's startup ecosystem—founders, VCs, accelerator partners, and technical communities—and develop thought leadership content for technical founder audiences.

Who You Are

• 5–7+ years in solutions architecture, pre-sales engineering, technical consulting, or a similar customer-facing technical role at a SaaS or cloud company.
• Broad fluency across cloud infrastructure, containers, Kubernetes, CI/CD, and modern application frameworks.
• A tinkerer with genuine, personal interest in AI and emerging technologies (familiarity with tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Codex, Cursor, agentic workflows, and codegen).
• Consultative mindset: able to do the overview first, then go deep, identifying customer needs and quick wins in initial conversations.
• Strong presence and communication skills: able to command a room of technical founders and hold unscripted discussions with CTOs.
• Adaptable and flexible in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
• Based in San Francisco and actively engaged in the local startup community; prior startup experience (founder, early-stage engineer, or advisor) is strongly preferred.