Staff Engineer, Edge Systems Efficiency

Posting date: April 21, 2026

Anticipated Posting Close Date*: May 1, 2026

*Job posting may close early due to the volume of applicants.

 

Staff Software Engineer - Edge Systems

The Edge Systems Team develops software that interacts with the full systems stack of Fastly’s infrastructure, from the kernel up to core systems software. Projects range from implementing new protocols, optimizing existing systems, routing among the edge nodes, designing distributed systems, and more. We expect this position to focus on enhancing the overall efficiency of our edge platform. We are looking for a Staff Software Engineer passionate about applying their talents to make the Internet fast and reliable.

What You'll Do

• Work across layers from the Linux kernel to core edge systems such as Varnish and WebAssembly.
• Use a data-driven approach to identify and implement performance and efficiency improvements across the Fastly platform.
• Write, test, and deploy C, Rust, and Go code.
• Enhance, maintain and optimize network protocols such as TCP and QUIC for performance and efficiency.
• Lead full lifecycle projects from design to deployment in support of Fastly’s edge systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to shape a clear technical roadmap - prioritizing key initiatives and proactively identifying and mitigating risks - to deploy, support, troubleshoot, and deliver performance and efficiency improvements.
• Mentor and support the professional growth of engineers, fostering a culture of respect, knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration within the team.

What We're Looking For

• Proven ability to design & implement reliable, scalable, low latency systems. Most Staff Engineers at Fastly have at least 7 years of domain relevant engineering experience. 
• Significant production experience with coding in C, C++, and/or Rust 
• Experience with Linux systems and network programming
• Hands-on experience in building distributed infrastructure and maintaining it over time
• Advanced knowledge of Linux as a development environment: git, compilers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and comprehensive documentation
• A collaborative mindset with experience working across cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of respect, knowledge sharing and innovation
• Proven ability to mentor and support the growth of engineers, both within a specific area of expertise and more broadly

We’ll be super impressed if you have experience in any of these: 

• Web/Internet protocols such as TCP, HTTP, TLS, DNS, QUIC
• Linux kernel
• Ability to systematically profile and benchmark complex cross-layer distributed systems
• Comfortable working in a geographically distributed team and highly available environments

 

Work Hours:

This position will require you to be available during core business hours and occasionally nights and weekends as required for on call support.

 

Work Location(s) & Travel Requirements: 

This position is open to the following preferred office locations:

• San Francisco, CA
• Denver, CO
• New York, NY

 

Fastly currently embraces a largely hybrid model for most roles which allows employees flexibility to split their time between the office and home.

There is a strong preference for Hybrid near a local office.  However, we may be willing to consider remote candidates within the US and Canada.

This position may require travel as required by your role or requested by your manager.

 

SF / LA Fair Chance Ordinance Statement

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

 

Salary:

If hired in the United States, the estimated salary range for this position is $211,370 to $253,644

Starting salary may vary based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and location.

This role may be eligible to participate in Fastly’s equity and discretionary bonus programs.

 

Benefits: 

We care about you. Fastly works hard to create a positive environment for our employees, and we think your life outside of work is important too. We support our teams with great benefits that start on the first day of your employment with Fastly. Curious about our offerings?  

 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Family planning, mental health support along with Employee Assistance Program, Insurance (Life, Disability, and Accident), a Flexible Vacation policy and up to 18 days of accrued paid sick leave are there to help support our employees. We also offer 401(k) (including company match) and an Employee Stock Purchase Program. For 2026, we offer 11 paid local holidays, 12 paid company wellness days.