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Chalk

Software Engineer

On site

San francisco, United states

Junior

Full Time

04-11-2025

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Skills

Communication Python Rust Machine Learning Autonomy

Job Specifications

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, diagnosing sepsis, 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.

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

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 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

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.

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.

Inclusivity

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

About the Company

The data platform for inference. Build, deploy, and iterate faster with Chalk's feature engine. Know more