Senior Principal Engineer

About Chalice

Chalice is revolutionizing advertising with platform-independent AI that drives real-world outcomes for brands and agencies. Our custom AI solutions unify marketing strategies across advertising channels to maximize ROI while maintaining full transparency and data privacy. Unlike traditional ad tech solutions, Chalice ensures that client data is never pooled or shared, and all algorithm outputs and insights remain fully transparent to our customers.

At Chalice, we're building a fast-moving, product-centric team that's transforming how advertising AI works in the real world.

Position Overview

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Principal Engineer to join our Engineering team. This role combines deep technical expertise in data engineering with leadership responsibilities in a high-impact environment. The ideal candidate will architect and build scalable systems that power our cutting-edge advertising AI platform while mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Design and implement large-scale data engineering pipelines that process billions of ad events daily

• Architect robust, high-performance systems using modern data stack technologies

• Support the development of machine learning pipelines incorporating LLMs and generative AI for ad optimization and targeting

• Drive technical decisions across multiple teams and projects

• Establish engineering best practices and standards for the ad technology platform

System Development

• Build and optimize data processing systems using Snowflake and Databricks/Spark

• Develop high-performance backend services in Python and at least one systems programming language

• Create scalable ETL/ELT pipelines for real-time and batch processing

• Implement monitoring, alerting, and observability solutions for production systems

• Ensure system reliability, performance, and security across all platforms

Project Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead cross-functional projects from conception through delivery

• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical guidance and career development support

• Collaborate with architects, product managers, data scientists, and other stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions

• Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to maintain code quality

• Present technical concepts and project updates to both technical and non-technical audiences

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Programming Languages: Expert-level proficiency in Python and at least one strongly typed, object-oriented language (Rust, C++, or Go)

• Data Platforms: Hands-on experience with Snowflake for data warehousing and analytics

• Big Data Processing: Proven experience with PySpark or Scala on Databricks/Apache Spark used for high-volume, streaming data processing

• Data Engineering: Strong background in building and maintaining data pipelines, ETL processes, and data architecture

• Container Technologies: Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes, including AWS implementations (EKS, ECS, Fargate)

• Cloud Platform: Required experience working in AWS environment with deep understanding of core services and best practices

• Ad Technology: Deep understanding of programmatic advertising, RTB (Real-Time Bidding), DSPs, SSPs, or related ad tech systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Machine Learning & AI: Experience building ML pipelines, particularly those involving LLMs, generative AI, or other advanced ML techniques

• Advanced AWS Services: Experience with additional AWS services such as Lambda, Step Functions, EMR, Redshift, or SageMaker

• Infrastructure as Code: Proficiency with Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar IaC tools

• Streaming Data: Knowledge of real-time data processing frameworks (Kafka, Kinesis, Pulsar)

• Database Technologies: Experience with both SQL and NoSQL databases

Experience & Leadership

• Experience: 8-15 years of software engineering experience, with 10-12 years being the target range

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and mentor junior team members

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail

What We Offer

Compensation

• Base Salary: Competitive compensation proportional to experience, with a target range of $220,000 - $280,000 for candidates with 10-12 years of experience

• Equity: Significant equity package with high growth potential

• Bonus: Performance-based annual bonus

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company matching

• Flexible PTO and work-from-home options

• Professional development budget for conferences, courses, and certifications

• State-of-the-art equipment and technology stipend

• Collaborative, innovation-focused work environment

Growth Opportunities

This role offers significant opportunities for career advancement, including potential progression to Engineering management positions. You'll have the chance to shape the technical direction of our ad technology platform while building and leading a world-class engineering team.

Application Process

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience in ad technology and data engineering. Include examples of large-scale systems you've built and any open-source contributions or technical blog posts that demonstrate your expertise.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.