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 DoTechnical 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.
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 their location during the interview process. We pay competitively in the tech-forward nonprofit space and offer a robust benefits package.
This is a remote position within the United States. At the time of hire and throughout employment, the employee’s primary residence and regular home work location must be in one of the following approved hiring states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, or Washington state.
No visa sponsorship available for this position.
Benefits & Well-Being
Crisis Text Line recognizes that we are all unique human beings with unique life circumstances, and our benefits package aims to be as flexible as possible to support your needs as you work to promote mental well-being for people, wherever they are. Our benefits package is thoughtfully designed using an equity lens, with input from our team and from industry best practices.
Highlights include:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options that prioritize accessibility and financial peace of mind
- Employer-funded HSA contributions
- Generous PTO, sick time, and 19 paid holidays with a winter break
- 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave after 26 consecutive weeks of service
- Monthly internet and mental health stipends
- Annual Wellness Stipend
- Home office and professional development stipends
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Sabbatical after 3 years of service
Benefits are for U.S.-based employees.
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Skills Required
- 10+ years of experience in data engineering, infrastructure, or ML platforms
- 5+ years of people leadership experience
- Proven experience building Databricks and 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, including HIPAA and SOC 2
- Excellent communication and stakeholder partnership across technical and non-technical teams
- Experience building or scaling an AI Engineering function or major data modernization program
- Experience managing global or multi-region data environments
- Experience balancing innovation with operational stability and cost control
- Mix of enterprise discipline and startup agility
What We Do
Millions of people are quietly suffering every day. They quietly struggle with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bullying, suicidal thoughts, and more. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support for people in crisis in the United States via a medium people already use and trust: text. And we use insights from our work to develop and share innovations in prevention, treatment, and long-term care. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers (like you!) to support people in crisis. With over 70 million crisis messages processed to date, the org is growing quickly, and so is the need. Crisis Text Line is a not-for-profit tech start-up, born from the rib of DoSomething.org.
