Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in Southampton

We are seeking a visionary and technically exceptional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead Critical Software's technology strategy and innovation agenda as we enter an exciting new phase of growth and transformation. This role will be instrumental in shaping our technological future, driving AI adoption across the organization, and ensuring we maintain our position at the forefront of mission and business-critical software engineering.

Critical Software operates across various business verticals and geographies, including Portugal, Germany, UK and the US. We have built a solid reputation for delivering highly reliable solutions supporting our customers in verticals such as aerospace, transportation, energy, medical and finance. Our customers include NASA, ESA, Airbus, Alstom, and BMW just to mention a few.

The CTO will join the Management Board and work closely with the CEO and executive team to shape Critical’s strategic direction. This role blends deep technical expertise with strong business and leadership capability, guiding technology strategy across all business clusters and driving innovation throughout our ecosystem of spinoffs, startups, joint ventures (including Critical TechWorks with BMW and Critical Flytech with Airbus), and our venture capital arm, Critical Ventures.

Joining Critical means embracing our purpose of building a better and safer world and living our core values. You’ll lead and be supported by a world‑class engineering community — 1,400+ at Critical Software and over 4,000 across the wider group — within a culture that balances ambition with genuine care. As a proud Benefit Corporation, we are legally committed to considering our impact on people and the planet in every decision we make.

• Technology Leadership & Strategy: Define and lead the company’s global technology vision, strategy, and roadmap, including the AI transformation and the development of AI as a core competency. Establish and maintain engineering standards, best practices, and technology frameworks that ensure quality, security, scalability, and sustainability. Drive technology innovation across all business clusters, fostering coordination, knowledge sharing, and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Innovation & Ecosystem Engagement: Lead technology scouting and research to identify emerging technologies that create strategic differentiation and inform investment opportunities in partnership with Critical Ventures. Champion a culture of creativity and innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning across the engineering organisation. Serve as Critical Software’s technology ambassador, engaging with strategic customers, partners, startups, research institutions, and representing the company at industry conferences, forums, and innovation events.
• Engineering Excellence & Collaboration: Champion engineering ingenuity and technical excellence across all teams, driving the adoption of modern development practices, tools, and methodologies. Ensure all products and services meet the highest standards of safety, security, reliability, and quality. Serve as a key member of the Management Board and collaborate closely with the COO, CRO, CPO, and CISO to align technology strategies with company‑wide objectives.

• Experience & Background: 15+ years in technology leadership roles, including at least 5 years at C‑level or equivalent. Proven experience leading technology strategy and innovation in complex, international organisations. Deep expertise in software engineering, architecture, and multi‑domain technology environments. Background in B2B technology services, professional services, or mission‑critical software development. Demonstrated success driving large‑scale digital transformation and AI adoption.
• Technical Excellence: Exceptional depth and breadth of technical expertise across software engineering, AI/ML (including generative AI), cloud architectures, and emerging technologies. Strong understanding of technology trends in sectors such as aerospace, transportation, energy, medical devices, or financial services. Practical experience applying AI and machine‑learning technologies in real‑world solutions. Familiarity with safety and security standards for critical systems is highly valued.
• Leadership & Communication: Strategic thinker able to translate business objectives into clear, actionable technology strategies. Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop high‑performing technical teams. Exceptional English communication skills (native or fluent). Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong bias for action and results.
• Personal Attributes: Passionate about technology, curiosity‑driven, and committed to continuous learning. An authentic, bold, values‑driven leader who inspires trust, elevates others, and embraces bold, disruptive thinking when it leads to meaningful progress. Deeply aligned with our mission of building a better and safer world.

• A pivotal role shaping the technological future of a leading global tech company, with a seat on the Management Board and direct influence on strategy.
• Access to a powerful network of customers, partners, and ecosystem companies.
• A culture that champions engineering excellence, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Competitive compensation and benefits, plus a flexible hybrid working model.

Your application should include a cover letter outlining your vision for technology leadership in mission‑critical software engineering and how you would strengthen Critical Software’s technological impact while upholding our commitment to safety, quality, and innovation. If applying from outside Portugal, please note that this position requires relocation.