Engineering Manager - Tech Lead

ABOUT GRANICA
Granica is redefining how enterprises prepare and optimize data at the most fundamental layer of the AI stack-where raw information is transformed into usable intelligence.
We're built to streamline cloud infrastructure, reduce storage and compute costs, and accelerate data pipelines, therefore helping companies turn massive raw datasets into intelligent, usable fuel for AI. In short: we build better data for better AI.
Smarter Infrastructure for the AI Era
We make data efficient, safe, and ready for scale-think smarter, more foundational infrastructure for the AI era. Our technology integrates directly with modern data stacks like Snowflake, Databricks, and S3-based data lakes, enabling:

• 60%+ reduction in storage costs and up to 60% lower compute spend
• 3x faster data processing
• 20% platform efficiency gains

Trusted by Industry Leaders
Enterprise leaders globally already rely on Granica to cut costs, boost performance, and unlock more value from their existing data platforms.
A Deep Tech Approach to AI
We're unlocking the layers beneath platforms like Snowflake and Databricks, making them faster, cheaper, and more AI-native. We combine advanced research with practical productization, powered by a dual-track strategy:

• Research: Led by Chief Scientist Andrea Montanari (Stanford Professor), we publish 1-2 top-tier papers per quarter.
• Product: Actively processing 100+ PBs today and targeting Exabyte scale by Q4 2025.

Backed by the Best
We've raised $60M+ from NEA, Bain Capital, A Capital, and operators behind Okta, Eventbrite, Tesla, and Databricks.
Our Mission
To convert entropy into intelligence, so every builder-human or AI-can make the impossible real.
We're building the default data substrate for AI, and a generational company built to endure beyond any single product cycle.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead and build a team of 8-10 engineers shipping core platform services across the AI data stack
• Stay 40% hands-on in high-leverage areas like Spark shuffles, Iceberg metadata stores, and vectorized engines
• Translate research into production-owning the path from prototype to hardened, planet-scale systems
• Coach architecture & velocity-drive weekly iteration while enforcing engineering excellence
• Instill a culture of rigor-from RFCs and code reviews to latency regression tracking and post-mortems that teach
• Own quarterly outcomes-measuring success through performance (P90 latency), reliability (4+ nines), and hiring bar (zero-regret additions)
• Design for scale & autonomy-build workflows where two-pizza teams can ship daily with minimal friction
• Attract and grow top talent-recruit 10x builders and create an environment of psychological safety and learning

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 7+ years in backend or infra engineering roles, with 2+ years as a tech lead or manager
• Proven success building and leading high-caliber teams in performance-critical environments (e.g. databases, ML infra, lakehouse systems)
• Deep experience with distributed compute frameworks (Spark, Trino, Presto) and columnar storage formats (Parquet, ORC)
• Familiarity with Iceberg or Delta Lake internals a strong plus
• Strong system design instincts and ability to guide teams through trade-offs
• Track record of balancing hands-on execution with leadership, mentorship, and delivery
• Passion for building foundational technology that changes how data is used at scale

WHY JOIN GRANICA

• Core Differentiation: We'refocused on unlocking a deeper layer of AI infrastructure. By optimizing the way data is stored, processed, and retrieved, we make platforms like Snowflake and Databricks faster, more cost-efficient, and more AI-native. Our work sits at the most fundamental layer of the AI stack: where raw data becomes usable intelligence.
• Elite peers-you'll collaborate with engineers from Meta, Google, Databricks, Okta, and early FAANG builders
• Clear metrics, real impact-our platform cuts storage costs 60%, compute 60%, and boosts processing speeds 3x
• Unusually high leverage-no bloat, minimal hierarchy, and high ownership from day one
• Long-term alignment-backed by top-tier investors and built for technical founders and builders

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary and equity
• Premium healthcare, vision, and dental
• Flexible hybrid work setup (Bay Area HQ)
• Unlimited PTO + quarterly recharge days
• Stipends for learning, publishing, or open-source engagement

Equal Opportunity
Granica is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive team and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.