Software Engineer

Chalk; New York (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Retirement savings

15 company holidays each year

15 days of personal time off each year

Flex Commuter Benefits

Daily lunch and dinner on Chalk

Fully-stocked office with drinks and snacks

Uber/Lyft home for late stay

Job summary

A high-growth start-up is hiring Software Engineers in New York City. You will work closely with co-founders, tackling challenging backend engineering problems using Python and Rust. Ideal candidates have over 2 years of experience, strong knowledge of computer science, and the ability to work autonomously. The role is fully in-person, offering a competitive salary range of $170,000 to $280,000, along with generous equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional backend software engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of computer science fundamentals.
• Ability to work autonomously and make pragmatic tradeoffs.
• Track record of learning new concepts quickly.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with Chalk’s co-founders.
• Write Python and Rust.
• Design, implement, ship, and maintain components of the query planning and execution engine.
• Iterate rapidly to improve Chalk’s platform.

Skills

Python

Rust

Backend Software Engineering

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent

Job description

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

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.

Work Location

We're in the office 5 days a week. When unavoidable conflicts come up, we’re flexible. This is not a hybrid role.

What You Will Do

• Work directly with Chalk’s co‑founders
• 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 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
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent

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 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

Salary Range: $170,000 – $280,000 – offers equity + benefits. Chalk offers early team members a generous salary + equity package based on experience and competitive benefits. Actual compensation awarded to successful candidates will be based on several factors, including but not limited to: market, location, scope of the position and individual qualifications objectively assessed during the interview process.

Inclusivity

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