Senior Engineering Manager - Data

At Crisis Text Line, our mission is to promote mental well-being for people wherever they are. Our technology powers life-saving crisis support across the U.S. and through international partners, connecting individuals to help when they need it most. To expand this global impact, we’re seeking an exceptional Senior Engineering Manager to lead our Data Platform and ML Operations team.

In this role, you’ll shape the next generation of mental health technology — driving the strategy and evolution of our Databricks-based data infrastructure on AWS. You’ll combine deep technical expertise in modern data engineering, MLOps, and infrastructure-as-code (Databricks, AWS, Terraform, Python) with strong leadership to mentor a high-performing team. This is an opportunity to build systems that don’t just scale — they save lives.

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, MLOps, 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 DataOps/MLOps 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

• Built or scaled an MLOps 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.

At Crisis Text Line, the engineering, product, and design teams comprise the Build department. The vision of the group is to: 

• Deliver the most trusted, innovative, and easy-to-use Crisis Care Platform in the industry and drive unprecedented levels of growth for people in need worldwide. 
• Ensure that every user feels a sense of community on our platform, allowing us to build trust and grow our impact. 
• Enable our global affiliates to power their crisis support operations in an efficient and dynamic environment 
• Provide a services/API-first architecture based on federated sources of data and infuses predictive insights (ML and otherwise) in every aspect of our Platform and Experience. 

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

The full salary range for this position, across all United States geographies, is $135,520 to $178,060. The upper portion of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting salary will vary by location, qualifications, and prior experience; during the interview process, candidates will learn the starting salary range applicable for their location. We pay competitively in the tech-forward nonprofit space and offer a robust benefits package.

Only candidates in the following states will be eligible for employment: CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA.