Software Engineer

About Chalk

Instead of relying on dated technologies like Spark, we built Chalk from the ground up to provide a best-in-class experience for our users - the experience we've always dreamed of.

Chalk makes it simple to integrate new features, backtest changes, and deliver real-time machine learning and generative AI.

Chalk's infrastructure is not just about powering decisions; it's about empowering developers. We deeply understand the pain points and workflows that make machine learning challenging, and Chalk was built to ease that pain.

About the role

We are hiring Software Engineers to join our team. This is an opportunity to join us in-person as an early employee and make a large impact at a high growth start-up.

You will tackle challenging engineering problems with a high degree of autonomy and ownership.

We are looking for a software engineer with a strong background in systems engineering. At Chalk we are solving problems drawn from the fields of DBMS query planning & optimization, compilers, and distributed analytical data processing systems.

Chalk uses dynamic and static analysis of Python programs in order to optimize arbitrary user Python code, infers and orchestrates infrastructure implied by the structure of that code, and tracks metadata about flow of data through these systems.

What you will do

• Work directly with Chalk's co-founders to productionize our first iteration
• Write Python and Rust
• Design, implement, ship, and maintain significant components of our query planning and execution engine
• Iterate rapidly to improve Chalk's platform in response to customer needs

What we're looking for

• 2+ years experience of professional backend software engineering experience
• Strong working knowledge of computer science fundamentals. We're not looking for experience from drilling leet code - we need folks who are comfortable building and maintaining real systems
• Comfort with leading development of new components of existing systems, and with taking ownership of existing software
• Track record of learning new concepts quickly
• Ability to work autonomously & to make pragmatic tradeoffs with an eye towards business outcomes
• Strong communication skills

Bonus points

• Experience implementing data infrastructure
• Experience with distributed systems / compilers / query planners
• Experience with Rust
• Experience with developing PaaS-like software

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 the 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 : $120K - $220K

Actual compensation awarded to successful candidates will be based on several factors, including market, location, scope of the position and 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.

The listed range above is simply a guideline, and the base range for this particular role may be modified. 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.