Forward Deployed Engineer

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 are an exceptional software engineer who can build bespoke technical solutions and partner with machine learning teams to develop Chalk’s proprietary infrastructure. You will work with customers of Chalk to build efficient feature pipelines for problems in healthcare, finance, and recommendation systems. This role gives you a unique opportunity to work closely with customers, gathering requirements and engineering feature pipelines that support use‑cases such as cancer detection, fraud prevention, and product recommendation. This is your opportunity to join us in‑person as an early employee and make a significant impact at a high‑growth start‑up.

What You Will Do

• Write code to implement Chalk technology for customers and prospects, becoming familiar with Chalk infrastructure and finding the best way to integrate and implement it in different environments.
• Work closely with our Engineering and Sales teams.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact pre‑sales and post‑sales for onboarding new customers or supporting existing ones.
• Recommend new products to customers as their business evolves.
• Help interview and grow the Engineering team.

What We’re Looking For

• Technical background including experience writing software or building ML models.
• 2+ years of professional backend software engineering experience.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non‑technical teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, problem‑solving, storytelling, and analytical skills.
• Experience working closely with sales teams and customers is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent.

Bonus Points

• Previous experience working with ML/data products or services.
• Understanding of Machine Learning Ops/Infrastructure.
• Previous experience as a forward‑deployed engineer in a high‑growth startup focusing on Machine Learning.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Expert healthcare guidance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• 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.
• Dinner is on us when staying late.
• Uber/Lyft reimbursement after late stays.

Compensation

Chalk offers early team members a generous salary plus 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.