At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical direction and architecture of AI and data infrastructure systems.
- Company: Seed-stage startup with a focus on innovative AI solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and remote work flexibility.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI systems and build a high-calibre engineering team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in software engineering with expertise in AI and data systems.
- Other info: Join at an exciting stage with opportunities for significant impact and growth.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 160000 £ per year.
We are hiring a hands-on CTO / Founding Engineer profile to lead the technical direction of a seed-stage startup building enterprise-grade AI and data infrastructure systems. This is a foundational leadership role, responsible for shaping:
- System architecture
- Engineering structure
- Hiring strategy
- Technical direction
You will take ownership of a product and team at an early stage and drive it through its next phase of growth and maturity.
Location: Remote | London (Exec team based)
Compensation: $150,000 – $200,000 + 5% Equity
Job Type: Full-time
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Has built and evolved products and teams in early-stage environments
- Strong depth in: AI + data systems, Infrastructure + architecture
- Combines: Technical depth, Leadership and communication
- Comfortable operating with ambiguity and high ownership
What You’ll Do
- Own technical vision and architecture across AI/data systems
- Lead and scale a distributed engineering team (currently 5+)
- Make key decisions on: Infrastructure, Data platforms, AI/ML systems
- Build and deliver enterprise-grade products
- Drive hiring and attract top engineering talent
- Collaborate with executives and clients on technical strategy
- Balance: Research-driven exploration, Practical, product-focused execution
What We’re Looking For
- Experience as: CTO, Founding / early-stage engineer in a scaling startup
- 10+ years in software engineering
- Deep expertise in: Data systems, AI/ML infrastructure, Enterprise software
- Strong hands-on engineering capability
- Experience leading remote engineering teams
- Track record of: Hiring strong engineers, Scaling teams and systems
Bonus
- Experience with LLMs / advanced AI systems
- Background in high-caliber tech environments
- Exposure to startup growth stages (pre-seed, Series A/B)
Location & Eligibility
- Remote (aligned with London-based leadership)
- Comfortable working across UK/EU time zones
- UK / EU candidates preferred
- Remote contractors considered
Why This Role
- Join at seed stage ($3.1M raised) with meaningful equity
- Define and evolve the technical architecture and roadmap
- Build AI/data infrastructure systems for enterprise use cases
- Work directly with founders and executive stakeholders
- Opportunity to attract and build a high-caliber engineering team
If you’re looking to take full technical ownership, build and scale meaningful AI systems, and shape both product and team from an early stage — this is your opportunity to lead that journey. Apply now...
CTO | AI & Data Infrastructure employer: C&D Talent Advisory - Academy
Contact Detail:
C&D Talent Advisory - Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CTO | AI & Data Infrastructure
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech space, especially those who have experience in startups. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your past projects, especially those related to AI and data systems. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of your skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership and technical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've built teams and scaled products in previous roles. We want to see your hands-on experience and how you tackle challenges!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace CTO | AI & Data Infrastructure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI and Data: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and data infrastructure shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission and how you can contribute to building enterprise-grade systems.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Make sure to emphasise your leadership skills and past experiences in scaling teams. We’re looking for someone who can lead a distributed engineering team, so share examples of how you've successfully managed and motivated teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the ideal candidate for this role. Remember, we want to understand your technical depth without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at C&D Talent Advisory - Academy
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a CTO, you’ll need to demonstrate deep expertise in AI and data systems. Brush up on the latest trends and technologies in these areas, and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. This will show your technical depth and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in early-stage environments. Highlight your experience in scaling teams and making key decisions on infrastructure and architecture. This will illustrate your capability to take ownership and drive a team towards success.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key for a leadership role. Practice articulating your thoughts on complex technical topics in a way that’s easy to understand. This will not only showcase your communication skills but also your ability to collaborate with executives and clients.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
In a seed-stage startup, things can get a bit chaotic. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated uncertainty in past roles. Share specific instances where you made decisions with limited information, demonstrating your comfort with ambiguity and high ownership.