(Senior or Staff) C++ Software Engineer - Windows Low Level

As a Senior C++ Software Engineer at SentinelOne, you'll have significant responsibilities, including designing and developing vital features for our Endpoint Protection system. You'll be working on both user-mode and kernel-mode Windows applications, tackling real-world problems that challenge conventional solutions. Your role will also involve debugging, testing, and optimizing code, while constantly learning about Windows OS internals and the security landscape. Your work will play a key role in safeguarding millions of devices worldwide.

The ideal candidate for our Senior C++ Software Engineer position at SentinelOne should possess multiple years of experience in low-level programming with modern C++ or C. A deep understanding of Windows OS design, internals, and debugging techniques is crucial. Experience in developing production-grade products with wide-scale deployment is also important. Excellent communication skills and the ability to cooperate with a distributed team will set you up for success in this role.

Success as a Senior C++ Software Engineer at SentinelOne hinges on a combination of technical skills and collaborative abilities. Proficiency in modern C++ (20/23) is essential, alongside hands-on experience with Windows OS internals. Familiarity with debugging and profiling tools will be beneficial, as well as security-focused development knowledge. Additionally, having great communication skills and a knack for independent problem-solving will help you flourish in our dynamic team environment.

At SentinelOne, our culture is built on values such as trust, accountability, and teamwork. We believe in fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s contributions matter. As a Senior C++ Software Engineer, you’ll experience a culture that encourages innovative problem-solving and supports continuous learning. You'll be part of a team that celebrates successes together, promoting both personal and professional growth in a flexible and inclusive setting.

At SentinelOne, we pride ourselves on offering multiple opportunities for advancement for our Senior C++ Software Engineers. By contributing significantly to projects and showcasing your innovative ideas, you can pave the way for progression to technical leadership roles or specialized positions. Our commitment to professional development is evidenced by our extensive training resources and supportive environment that encourages growth and exploration of new technologies.

As you prepare to discuss your experience with low-level programming in C++, it’s important to highlight specific projects where you applied these skills. Describe the complexities you faced and how your understanding of hardware interactions and memory management contributed to the success of the project. Be sure to discuss how you've improved performance through optimizations in your coding practices.

When discussing your approach to debugging and optimization, emphasize your familiar methods and tools, such as using debuggers, profilers, or logging techniques. Talk about a specific instance where you identified and resolved a challenging bug while optimizing performance. Describe your systematic approach to isolating issues and ensuring that your solutions maintain code integrity.

It's essential to come prepared to share your knowledge about Windows OS internals. Discuss specific areas such as process management, memory management, and the Windows kernel architecture. Highlight how your understanding of these components will aid you in developing effective low-level solutions and enhancing the security measures within the applications you will be working on.

In response to this question, think back to a project where you took the lead and outline your strategy. Talk about how you organized tasks, communicated with your team, and managed timelines. Highlight any challenges faced and how you navigated them to ensure project success. This showcases not only your technical skills but also your leadership and collaboration abilities.

It’s important to convey your commitment to continuous learning during your interview. Share resources such as blogs, forums, and specialized courses you follow or participate in. If applicable, discuss any relevant certifications or conferences you’ve attended, demonstrating your proactive approach to staying up-to-date in the fast-evolving field of cybersecurity and software development.

When answering this question, detail specific optimization techniques you’ve utilized in your C++ projects, such as reducing memory footprint, enhancing execution speed, or using efficient algorithms. Illustrate your understanding of the balance between code maintainability and optimization, and how you’ve applied these techniques in past roles to improve application performance.

When discussing your experience with security-oriented development practices, provide examples that demonstrate your understanding of secure coding techniques and practices like input validation, error handling, and implementation of cryptographic protocols. Share experiences where you successfully identified and mitigated vulnerabilities in software development projects.

In this response, list specific tools and technologies you've used for debugging and profiling Windows applications, such as WinDbg, Visual Studio Debugger, or profiling tools like Visual Studio Profiler or Intel VTune. Describe how you've employed these tools in past projects to significantly enhance application stability and performance, showcasing your comprehensive experience in this area.

Your answer should express your understanding of the challenges of remote collaboration and the strategies you've used to navigate them. Discuss how you leverage tools like Slack, Zoom, or project management software to communicate effectively. Highlight your experience in maintaining flexibility and adapting schedules to accommodate peers in different time zones, ensuring that team synergy and productivity remain strong.

In your response, outline your long-term career goals and how they align with the opportunities available at SentinelOne. Discuss your desire to grow in technical expertise, leadership, or innovation within the cybersecurity field. By explaining how this position fits into your trajectory, you demonstrate your commitment and vision for your role within the company.