At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical direction of a seed-stage startup and shape AI/data infrastructure systems.
- Company: Exciting seed-stage startup with a focus on AI and data solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and remote work flexibility.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and collaborate directly with founders for career growth.
- Why this job: Take full ownership and make a real impact in building innovative AI systems.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in software engineering with experience in scaling teams and products.
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:
- 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
- AI + data systems
- 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
- 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: Practical, product-focused execution
What We’re Looking For
- Experience as: CTO or Founding / early-stage engineer in a scaling startup
- 10+ years in software engineering
- Deep expertise in:
- Data systems
- AI/ML infrastructure
- Enterprise software
- Experience leading remote engineering teams
- Track record of: 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)
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 employer: C&D Talent Advisory
As a seed-stage startup based in London, we offer an exciting opportunity for a hands-on CTO to lead the technical direction of our innovative AI and data infrastructure systems. Our remote work culture promotes flexibility and collaboration, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have the chance to shape your career alongside a talented team. With competitive compensation and meaningful equity, this role is perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CTO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who have experience in startups. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what companies are looking for.
✨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 will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common CTO questions and scenarios. Think about how you would lead a team through challenges and make decisions on technical direction. We want to see your thought process and leadership style!
✨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 shaping the future of AI and data infrastructure.
We think you need these skills to ace CTO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI and Data Systems:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and data systems shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission and how you can contribute to building enterprise-grade products.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:Make sure to emphasise your leadership skills and experiences in early-stage environments. We’re looking for someone who can lead a distributed engineering team, so share examples of how you've successfully scaled teams and made key decisions.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your technical vision and architecture experience. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape our technical direction.
How to prepare for a job interview at C&D Talent Advisory
✨Show Your Technical Depth
As a CTO, you'll need to demonstrate your deep expertise in AI and data systems. Prepare to discuss specific projects you've led, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show that you not only understand the technical side but can also lead a team through complex problems.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Make sure to share examples of how you've built and scaled teams in early-stage environments. Talk about your leadership style and how you foster collaboration among remote teams. This is crucial for showing that you can manage and inspire a distributed engineering team effectively.
✨Prepare for Ambiguity
Since this role involves operating with ambiguity, be ready to discuss how you've navigated uncertain situations in the past. Share strategies you've used to make decisions when information was lacking, and how you maintained focus on product execution despite challenges.
✨Engage with the Founders' Vision
Research the company's mission and values, and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. During the interview, ask insightful questions about their goals and challenges. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the company's long-term success.
