Principal Software Engineer, Sensor - Mac, Linux, or Windows (Hybrid)

Engg; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity awards

Wellness programs

Vacation & holidays

Parental/adoption leaves

Professional development

Employee networks

Office culture

Great Place to Work Certified

Job summary

CrowdStrike is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer to drive features for the Falcon Host sensor across Linux, Windows, and macOS. You will own architecture, collaborate with multiple sensor teams, and deliver high-impact capabilities in a fast-paced, Agile environment.

The role emphasizes deep C/C++ expertise, strong Linux internals knowledge, and experience guiding distributed teams, with opportunities to leverage AI to optimize security workflows.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of C/C++ and Linux internals.
• Experience debugging memory corruption, process contention, and performance bottlenecks.
• Proven ability to deliver major features within distributed teams and cross-functional groups.
• Experience applying AI technologies to improve decision making and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with sensor teams across the company on architecture and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and deliver cross‑platform features for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Lead features from design to delivery, including product demos at sprint ends.
• Mentor and guide geographically distributed engineering teams.

Skills

C/C++

Linux internals

Performance debugging

Distributed teams

AI technologies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

As a global leader in cybersecurity, CrowdStrike protects the people, processes and technologies that drive modern organizations. Since 2011, our mission hasn’t changed — we’re here to stop breaches, and we’ve redefined modern security with the world’s most advanced AI-native platform. We work on large scale distributed systems, processing almost 3 trillion events per day and this traffic is growing daily. Our customers span all industries, and they count on CrowdStrike to keep their businesses running, their communities safe and their lives moving forward. We're proud to work for a mission-driven company leveraging AI to transform the way we work. CrowdStrikers drive their careers through flexibility and autonomy while also being expected to contribute to a culture of responsible AI adoption, experimentation, and innovation. We use an AI-first mindset as a force multiplier to proactively and continuously accelerate execution, build expertise, uncover insights, and solve complex problems. We’re always looking to add talented CrowdStrikers to the team who have limitless passion, a relentless focus on innovation and a fanatical commitment to our customers, our community and each other. Ready to join a mission that matters? The future of cybersecurity starts with you.

About the Role:

CrowdStrike Falcon Host is a two-component security product. One component is a “sensor”: a driver installed on client machines that observes system activity and recognizes malicious behavior, then provides on-box prevention capability and remote telemetry to the Falcon Host cloud. The sensor processes thousands of events per second to provide deep visibility into operations on the endpoint, and performs rich correlation and computation to identify malicious events and blocks malicious activity. The cloud component aggregates sensor telemetry for each customer’s network, correlates malicious behavior across multiple machines, and presents our customers’ operations teams with a prioritized summary of the threats detected in their environments. This is a Principal Software Development Engineer (SDE) role in the CTIO team that delivers the cutting edge innovation for our sensor (lightweight agent) for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS platforms. The SDE’s in the team own design and development of core features on the platform. Features will cross-cut most core OS subsystems such as file system, memory, process, and networking. Many features are also built in a way that they will have shared components across Linux, Windows, and MacOS. The team operates under the Agile development principles and ships frequently. The CTIO team at CrowdStrike is responsible for defining and executing the company's technology vision and strategy, driving innovation and overseeing the development and evolution of the Falcon platform. The CTIO ensures CrowdStrike maintains its position as a technology leader by fostering engineering excellence, aligning technical capabilities with business objectives, and anticipating emerging threats and market trends.

What You’ll Do:

Collaborate with all the sensor development teams, across the company, on architecture and strategic initiatives. Conceptualize and develop new product features. Provide guidance and support to development teams in designing and implementing software for cross-platform delivery (Windows, macOS, Linux). Take ownership of features throughout the entire lifecycle, from initial design to final delivery, including presenting product demonstrations at the conclusion of each sprint. Engage in cross-functional collaboration with teams situated in various locations.

What You’ll Need:

Deep knowledge of C/C++. Extensive, fundamental understanding of Linux OS internals. Proven experience in debugging memory corruption issues, process contentions, and system performance bottlenecks. Demonstrated experience collaborating with teams to successfully deliver major features and releases. Ability to lead, mentor, communicate, collaborate, and operate effectively within a geographically distributed team. Proven experience utilizing AI technologies to enhance decision‑making, streamline workflows and processes, improve efficiency and drive business outcomes.

Bonus Points:

Demonstrated strong background in developing scalable, light‑weight, and highly performing systems. In‑depth OS system expertise regarding core concepts and subsystems. Familiarity and experience utilizing Agile methodologies. Knowledge of security principles. Experience with eBPF.

Benefits of Working at CrowdStrike:

• Market leader in compensation and equity awards
• Comprehensive physical and mental wellness programs
• Competitive vacation and holidays for recharge
• Paid parental and adoption leaves
• Professional development opportunities for all employees regardless of level or role
• Employee Networks, geographic neighborhood groups, and volunteer opportunities to build connections
• Vibrant office culture with world class amenities
• Great Place to Work Certified™ across the globe

CrowdStrike is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where everyone is valued for who they are and empowered to succeed. We support veterans and individuals with disabilities through our affirmative action program. CrowdStrike is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by law. We base all empl