At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the migration to a new AI-native data pipeline and enhance platform performance.
- Company: Crystal Intelligence, a leader in blockchain analytics and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on cutting-edge technology and impactful solutions.
- Why this job: Drive innovation in AI and blockchain while shaping the future of our platform.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in engineering with experience in platform migrations and AI integration.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.
About Crystal
Crystal Intelligence is a blockchain analytics and compliance intelligence company serving exchanges, financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement across 100+ blockchains. Our customers depend on us for low‑latency, high‑availability risk and transaction intelligence that powers operational decisions. Crystal is entering the most consequential platform shift in its history: a full migration from our current data architecture to a new, AI‑native data pipeline that will define the company's next decade of scale, speed, and product capability. This is the role that owns it.
Role Summary
Crystal's engineering organization has grown organically. The current architecture serves a large and loyal customer base, but it is reaching the limits of what feature‑driven growth can sustain. In parallel, we have built a new data pipeline architecture led by a dedicated platform team. The strategic priority for 2026 is to migrate Crystal end‑to‑end from the legacy stack to the new pipeline—without disrupting customer SLAs, while continuing to ship the product roadmap, and while rebuilding engineering management discipline. The VP of Engineering will own this migration. The mission is concrete: deliver the new pipeline into production behind every Crystal product, restore platform‑grade latency and reliability, and convert the existing organization into one that ships predictably and uses AI as a productivity multiplier.
What You’ll Do
- Own the platform migration end‑to‑end
- Lead the integration of the new data pipeline into all Crystal products: Crystal Expert, Crystal Foresight, Monitor, Risk Check API, Data Intelligence, and Crystal Light
- Sequence the migration to preserve revenue and customer trust: no SLA regressions, no rollback drama, no surprise downtime
- Drive the architectural decisions and trade‑offs that the legacy‑to‑new transition requires, including data model alignment, service‑by‑service cutover, and parallel‑run validation
- Hold engineering, product, and customer success aligned on a single migration roadmap with clear customer‑impact gates
- Restore platform foundations
- Bring API and core platform latency back to target: 1,000 RPS at sub‑two‑second latency, scaling toward 10k RPS
- Reduce database load, fix stability regressions exposed by recent releases, raise release velocity to multiple deployments per week
- Lead the multi‑chain platform with discipline across 100+ chains: predictable integration timelines, accountable squad ownership, clear SLAs to commercial partners
- Rebuild the engineering management layer
- Partner with the existing engineering leadership to establish clear accountability across squad leads, engineering managers, and platform teams
- Set the standard for what good engineering management looks like at Crystal: predictable delivery, transparent planning, technical depth, people development
- Make the hiring, performance, and structural decisions required to bring the organization to the level the platform demands
- Drive AI into engineering as a productivity lever
- Build shared infrastructure for AI‑assisted engineering: code generation, automated testing, agent‑based migration tooling, internal knowledge systems
- Move Crystal from individual AI tool usage to organization‑wide AI productivity, with measurable impact on delivery throughput
- Reduce OpEx‑to‑revenue through architectural improvements, automation, and reduction of manual operational load
- Partner with the business
- Work directly with product, GTM, customer success, and finance to translate engineering investments into customer outcomes and revenue
- Communicate trade‑offs, risks, and progress clearly to the executive team and board
- Own the engineering budget, hiring plan, and vendor decisions
What Success Looks Like (12 Months)
- New data pipeline architecture is in production powering Crystal's core products
- Customer SLAs are met or exceeded throughout the migration; no customer churn attributable to platform instability
- Latency restored and improved; release cadence shifted from monthly to weekly or faster
- Engineering management layer operating with clear accountability and predictable delivery
- AI‑assisted engineering infrastructure deployed and measurable productivity gains realized
- OpEx‑to‑revenue ratio meaningfully reduced toward target
Requirements
- 10+ years engineering experience, with 5+ years leading platform, data, or infrastructure organizations as VP Engineering, Head of Engineering, or equivalent
- Led at least one major platform migration or large‑scale rebuild, with continuous customer service maintained throughout
- Operated low‑latency, high‑availability distributed systems with multi‑tenant SaaS workloads at production scale
- Production experience integrating AI into engineering workflows, including agent‑assisted development and AI‑driven automation
- Strong product partnership instincts – you have shaped what gets built and how it ships
- Track record of building accountable, high‑ownership engineering organizations
- Direct experience in one or more relevant domains: blockchain or crypto, fintech, payments, fraud or risk platforms, regulatory technology, or large‑scale data platforms
VP of Platform & AI Engineering employer: Crystal Intelligence
Crystal Intelligence is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose. As a leader in blockchain analytics, employees are empowered to drive significant technological advancements while enjoying a culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth. With a focus on AI integration and a commitment to maintaining high customer satisfaction, team members can expect meaningful contributions to the future of financial technology in a supportive and forward-thinking atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP of Platform & AI Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry, especially those at Crystal. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with platform migrations and AI integration. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Get ready for the interview! Research Crystal's products and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to discuss how you can help them achieve their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace VP of Platform & AI Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the VP of Platform & AI Engineering role. Highlight your experience with platform migrations and AI integration, as these are key to what we’re looking for at Crystal.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead engineering teams and manage complex projects. We want to see how you’ve made a tangible impact in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and how it aligns with our mission at Crystal. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and helps us streamline the process. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crystal Intelligence
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies related to AI and platform engineering. Brush up on your knowledge of blockchain analytics, low-latency systems, and how to manage large-scale migrations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but are genuinely passionate about it.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical problems or describe past experiences. Think about specific challenges you've faced during platform migrations or architectural decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Align with Company Goals
Crystal is focused on a significant migration and improving customer trust. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their strategic priorities for 2026. Show that you understand the importance of maintaining SLAs and how you would ensure a smooth transition without disrupting service.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a VP, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve built accountable teams and fostered a culture of transparency and technical depth. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with product and customer success teams to drive engineering outcomes that translate into customer satisfaction.
