Senior Engineering Manager, Data Engineering

The Role

At Crisis Text Line, our data platform powers the technology, research, and insights behind our crisis services—and it’s evolving quickly as our products, global reach, and AI/ML capabilities grow.

In this role, you’ll lead a lean Data Engineering team with broad ownership across our production data ecosystem. You’ll shape the evolution of our Databricks and AWS platform, tackle complex challenges across reliability, governance, data quality, and multi-tenant architecture, and build the infrastructure that enables what comes next in AI/ML. You’ll pair deep technical leadership with strong people leadership—developing engineers, setting technical direction, and creating an environment where a versatile team can do its best work while continuing to grow its capabilities and impact.
What You’ll Do
Technical Leadership

- Oversee the evolution of our Databricks-based lakehouse and ML platform, defining the technical roadmap for data pipelines and AI/ML infrastructure.

- Drive infrastructure-as-code practices with Terraform and make key architectural decisions that enable scalable, reliable global data systems.

Platform Maturity

- Ensure reliability, performance, and cost efficiency across Databricks and AWS by implementing observability, monitoring, and SLA frameworks for critical data pipelines.

- Establish best practices for DataOps, AI Engineering, and data quality while balancing innovation with technical debt and tracking KPIs for platform health, productivity, and business impact.

Cross-functional Collaboration

- Partner with Product, Analytics, Data Science, and Research teams to deliver scalable, compliant data solutions.

- Collaborate with Developer Platform, Security, and Compliance teams to align shared infrastructure, governance, and business priorities.

Team Leadership & Development

- Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing data and ML engineering team focused on innovation and reliability.

- Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning across the organization.

Qualifications
Required

- 10+ years in data engineering, infrastructure, or ML platforms; 5+ years in people leadership.

- Proven experience building Databricks + AWS ecosystems.

- Proficiency in Python, SQL, and Terraform with strong AI Engineering principles.

- Track record improving observability, automation, and data reliability.

- Experience with data governance and compliance (HIPAA/SOC 2).

- Excellent communication and stakeholder partnership across technical and non-technical teams.

Preferred

The following experience would be useful, but we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every item:

- Built or scaled an AI Engineering function or major data modernization program.

- Managed global or multi-region data environments.

- Experience balancing innovation with operational stability and cost control.

- Mix of enterprise discipline and startup agility.

Leadership Fit

- Coaching-oriented, people-first manager who leads with clarity and trust.

- Values autonomy, accountability, and measurable impact.

- Embodies CTL’s mission-driven, collaborative culture.

Department Summary:

The Build department brings together Engineering, Product, and Design to create and evolve Crisis Text Line’s technology platform. Together, we build trusted, accessible experiences for people seeking crisis support and the tools our global partners need to deliver it—supported by scalable architecture, connected data, and thoughtful use of predictive technologies.

Reliable High-Speed Internet Required: Must have a stable high-speed internet connection to support seamless remote collaboration, virtual meetings, online job tasks, etc.

For United States-based candidates: The target salary range for this position, across the United States, is $135,520 - $156,790. Starting salary will vary based on location, qualifications, and prior experience. Candidates will learn the range specific to the