What are the responsibilities and job description for the CTO - Autonomy & Guidance Systems position at Bits to Atoms (YC S24)?
About Bits to Atoms
Bits to Atoms connects exceptional talent with mission-driven companies working to rebuild the US industrial base.
Our partner company, V2 Industries, is looking to hire a CTO.
Company Overview
We are a defense technology startup developing next-generation unmanned aerial platforms. Our mission is to deliver decisive capability through high-performance, autonomous aircraft systems purpose-built for operational relevance.
We are seeking a CTO to lead the development of our autonomous flight systems. The ideal candidate has experience with guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) for Group 3 or larger UAS, and has deployed autopilot systems on real aircraft. This is a hands-on role focused on immediate impact. Our aircraft is already built and operational. We're looking for someone who can join us in the Mojave desert to extend its autonomous capabilities and help demonstrate record-setting performance.
This role will start as a paid, three-month contract focused on field testing and system performance. Upon successfully building out the proof of concept and establishing mutual fit, there is a clear path to transition into a full-time leadership role as our CTO.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead development and deployment of GN&C systems for autonomous UAV flight
- Integrate and optimize autopilot systems for long-range, high-endurance missions
- Contribute to flight planning, systems integration, and field testing in real-world environments
- Work closely with founders on overall technical direction and roadmap
- Maintain a high standard of engineering rigor, safety, and mission readiness
Desired Background
- 3 years experience in GN&C, autonomous systems, or flight software engineering
- Proven track record deploying autopilot systems on Group 3 or larger UAS
- Familiarity with real-time operating systems, flight controllers, and integration workflows
- Experience in defense, aerospace, or dual-use technology environments
- Comfort working on systems that may be used for kinetic or non-kinetic missions
Preferred Experience
- Prior roles at aerospace or defense firms
- Experience with high-performance antennas, RF systems, or signal processing
- Background in structural flight testing, mission system integration, or aircraft avionics
- Strong alignment with the mission of strengthening U.S. national defense through technology
This is a high-impact opportunity to shape a next-generation defense platform from day one. You’ll be at the frontier of autonomy, performance, and aerospace engineering—and your work will directly support critical national security outcomes.
We are especially interested in candidates with high-agency execution and a demonstrated commitment to technical excellence.
