Systems Architecture at Discord
Real-time audio cannot tolerate jitter. The platform security team builds native boundary services that verify cryptographic handshakes, isolate client media relays, and protect end-to-end encrypted voice. C++ carries memory bugs. Our native components run as isolated microservices written in Rust, using rustls for TLS termination and tonic for internal control planes. Strict type invariants eliminate memory corruption. This safeguards voice sessions across millions of concurrent users.
As Engineering Manager, you guide an experienced group of systems engineers driving security architecture and runtime hardening across client and server tiers. Annual base compensation ranges from $248,000 to $310,000 USD plus equity.
What You Will Own in Production
- Guide engineering roadmap for identity infrastructure, session token issuance, and hardware security module integration.
- Supervise the phased migration of legacy C++ packet parsers to memory-safe Rust libraries with fuzz testing.
- Partner with infrastructure teams to review zero-trust access controls across distributed Kubernetes and bare-metal clusters.
- Mentor senior engineers, conduct architecture reviews, and maintain rigorous operational standards for incident response.
Background We Look For
- Prior engineering management or technical leadership experience running systems, security, or platform infrastructure teams.
- Hands-on background with Rust, C++, or low-level systems programming, especially around network protocols or cryptography.
- Working knowledge of public key infrastructure, TLS session handshakes, and distributed authorization models.
- Compensation: $248,000 to $310,000 USD base salary plus equity and comprehensive health coverage (Remote US West Coast).
