Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Job Title: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Location: Philadelphia, PA (Hybrid or On-site preferred)

Job Type: FTE / W2

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About The Company

Our client is an AI-driven company headquartered in Philadelphia, building transformative technology with the potential to redefine how businesses and consumers interact with intelligent systems. We're developing state-of-the-art AI platforms in [insert vertical — e.g., generative AI, enterprise automation, AI for healthcare], backed by cutting-edge research and real-world application. As our client move into our next phase of growth, we're seeking a world-class CTO to join the executive team and drive the technology vision that will power our company into the future.

Our investors and stakeholders are aligned around the importance of a proven, high-caliber technical leader—someone who not only brings deep engineering and AI expertise but also the credibility and track record of success that comes from working at top-tier tech companies and academic institutions.

We're looking for someone who has built and scaled technology at the highest level, understands the full lifecycle of AI product development, and has a bold, clear vision for where AI is going next.

Role & Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the company's overall technology roadmap.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and position the company at the forefront of innovation.
• Be a strategic partner to the CEO and board on all things tech and product.
• Architect and oversee development of advanced AI models, data platforms, and scalable infrastructure.
• Ensure best-in-class engineering practices, from MLOps and DevOps to CI/CD and security.
• Lead high-level architecture decisions, prioritizing performance, scalability, and simplicity.
• Recruit, grow, and retain world-class engineering and AI talent.
• Cultivate a high-performance, mission-driven tech culture with an emphasis on innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the company's technology strategy in board meetings, investor updates, and due diligence processes.
• Serve as a public-facing technology leader at industry conferences and events.
• Inspire confidence with VCs, customers, and strategic partners through your background and communication style.
  
  

Who You Are

• 10 years of experience in technology leadership roles, ideally including time at top-tier companies (e.g., Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Uber, PayPal, etc.).
• Deep expertise in AI/ML, with a proven ability to lead teams building real-world, scalable AI products.
• Strong academic credentials — degree(s) from a top university (e.g., MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, etc.).
• Experience managing full product lifecycles — from R&D and prototyping to deployment, scaling, and iteration.
• Exceptional communicator with experience working cross-functionally and in executive/board settings.
• Comfortable in high-growth startup environments — thrives in ambiguity and moves with urgency.
  
  

Bonus Points

• PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field.
• Published research or patents in AI/ML.
• Experience with Generative AI, large language models (LLMs), or real-time inference systems.
• Track record of fundraising, working closely with VCs, or building tech in VC-backed startups.
• Existing network in top-tier tech and research communities.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive executive-level compensation (salary meaningful equity)
• Hybrid work structure with HQ in Philadelphia
• The opportunity to be a founding executive shaping the future of AI
• A collaborative, high-trust team and culture
• Backing from investors who understand deep tech and are committed to long-term growth