Software Engineering • Senior

Who you are

5+ years of software engineering experience with a focus on building scalable systems — you've designed and implemented high-performance applications that handle significant traffic and ensure reliability under load. You have a strong understanding of distributed systems and the challenges they present, particularly in the context of security and performance.

Deep expertise in Java and related technologies — you’ve built robust applications that require low-latency responses and high availability. Your experience includes working with networking protocols and security measures to protect systems from various threats.

You possess a solid understanding of machine learning principles — while not a primary focus, you appreciate how applied machine learning can enhance security measures and improve system defenses against automated abuse and DDoS attacks. Your analytical skills allow you to assess and evolve defenses effectively.

You are a collaborative team player — you thrive in environments where you can partner closely with infrastructure, security, and safety teams to balance security needs with user experience. Mentoring junior engineers is something you value, as you enjoy sharing knowledge and fostering growth within your team.

What you'll do

Join Reddit’s Site Defense team and take on the responsibility of designing, building, and operating systems that protect against DDoS attacks and other network-level threats. You will analyze and develop ingress-level defenses across CDN, edge, and internal infrastructure layers, ensuring that Reddit remains available and performant for its users.

You will build systems to detect, score, and mitigate malicious traffic in real-time, focusing on per-request and per-user granularity. This role requires you to stay ahead of evolving threats and continuously improve the defenses in place, leveraging your expertise in distributed systems and networking.

Collaboration is key in this role, as you will partner closely with various teams within the infrastructure organization, as well as with security and internal safety teams. You will help balance the need for robust security with the performance and user experience that Reddit users expect.

Mentoring junior engineers will be a significant part of your responsibilities, guiding them in their professional growth and helping them navigate complex technical challenges. You will contribute to the team’s culture of learning and improvement, ensuring that knowledge is shared and that everyone is equipped to succeed.

What we offer

At Reddit, you will be part of a vibrant community that values open and authentic conversations. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for professional development and growth. You will work in a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the safety and performance of one of the internet’s largest platforms. Join us in our mission to protect Reddit and its users while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.