Software Engineering Manager

About Chalk

Chalk is building the data platform that powers the future of machine learning applications. We tear down complexity, latency, and scale barriers that have traditionally constrained ML capabilities. Our platform combines Rust-speed performance with elegant tools that developers love to use. Leading companies depend on Chalk for everything from stopping fraudulent credit card swipes, verifying identities, and maximizing clean energy capture. We've recently raised a $50 million Series A, led by Felicis.

About the role 

You’ll be our founding Engineering Manager and a technical force multiplier. Working directly with our founders, you'll lead a team of exceptional engineers building our platform for real-time inference at scale. This role is a unique opportunity to shape technical architecture and engineering culture at a fast-growing, early-stage company. You'll collaborate with brilliant folks, including Putnam and Advent of Code winners, former Jane Street quants, and Rust compiler contributors — all dedicated to bending the curve of what's possible in ML inference. 

We work in-person Monday through Friday in our SF and NY offices. We don’t currently offer remote or hybrid positions. 

What you will do

• Lead a team of engineers building Chalk's data platform 


• Partner with the founding team to define and execute our technical roadmap


• Lead with a player-coach mindset — jumping into the code whenever needed 


• Establish engineering processes that enable high velocity without sacrificing quality


• Work directly with customers to understand requirements and ensure Chalk's platform solves real-world ML challenges


• Shape Chalk's engineering culture as we grow — you'll help us nurture top talent

What we're looking for

• 5+ years of engineering experience with 2+ years of technical leadership


• Previous experience at an early-stage startup 


• Experience building production ML systems or data infrastructure


• Strong programming skills and systems thinking — you understand how things work under the hood


• Ability to lead technical teams while still enjoying hands-on work


• Strong communicator who can bridge technical and business contexts


• Proven track record of delivering complex projects on time


• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Bonus points

• ​​Experience with Rust or distributed systems


• Experience with query planners or compilers


• Experience implementing data infrastructure or PaaS-like software


• Experience scaling engineering teams in high-growth environments

Benefits

⚕️Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

🏦 Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA)

🦮 Expert Healthcare Guidance

💵 Retirement savings

🎄15 company holidays each year

🏖️15 days of personal time off each year

🚌 Flex Commuter Benefits

🌮 Daily lunch and dinner on Chalk

🥤Office is fully-stocked with drinks and snacks to fuel your work day.

🍽️ Staying late? Dinner is on us

🚖 Staying even later? Grab an Uber / Lyft home on Chalk

Compensation

Range: Salary + Equity based on experience 

Actual compensation awarded to successful candidates will be based on several factors, including individual qualifications objectively assessed during the interview process.

Our comprehensive total package plays a major role in how we recognize individuals for the impact they will have on Chalk’s growth and us achieving our goals.

Chalk offers early team member equity and competitive benefits package in addition to the cash compensation.

Inclusivity

Chalk is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and provide reasonable accommodations to anyone in need of individualized support.