Sr. Manager, Engineering - Search

Job title: Sr. Manager, Engineering - Search

About the Role Databricks is hiring a Senior Engineering Manager for Search to lead the next-generation cloud-native Search platform, spanning Vector Search, Keyword Search, and Search Quality. You’ll shape the long-term vision, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enable AI applications with accuracy, speed, and scale.

What You'll Do

• Lead a team of software engineers to design, build, and operate the next-generation cloud-native Search services.
• Drive innovation across Vector Search, Keyword Search, and Hybrid Search to improve relevance, latency, and cost efficiency.
• Build a strong partnership with product and research teams to define the roadmap for Search Quality, including ranking models and evaluation frameworks.
• Manage and operate large-scale, highly-available services in the cloud.
• Grow and mentor engineers and emerging leaders through coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
• Shape and execute the long-term product and engineering strategy for Search.
• Partner cross-functionally with teams across Databricks to ensure the Search platform enables AI and data applications.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and empathy.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in search, database systems, or AI/ML infrastructure.
• Proven track record of building and scaling highly-available cloud services.
• Strong leadership experience — building, growing, and managing high-performing engineering teams.
• Experience defining and meeting SLOs for distributed, production-grade systems.
• Solid understanding of search and indexing systems (e.g., Elasticsearch, Lucene, or vector databases).
• Familiarity with database internals or large-scale data processing systems.
• BS in Computer Science (Masters or PhD Preferred).

Nice to Have

• Masters or PhD preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Local Pay Range: $222,000—$300,000 USD. The total compensation may include annual performance bonus, equity, and other benefits listed above.