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- Tasks: Lead the technical roadmap and build a secure, scalable cybersecurity platform.
- Company: Stealth cybersecurity startup focused on real-world security risks.
- Benefits: Equity-only compensation with true ownership and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cybersecurity and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: 8-12+ years in software engineering with a focus on security systems.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a team and lead innovative projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re a stealth cybersecurity startup building a high-impact platform focused on reducing real-world security risk for modern cloud-first organizations. We’re looking for a Founding CTO / Head of Engineering to own the end-to-end technical roadmap and lead the product from first principles through MVP and early pilots.
This is a hands-on, builder role for someone who wants to lead, ship, and own—with meaningful equity and full technical decision-making authority.
What you’ll do:
- Define the 12–18 month technical roadmap from MVP to pilot-ready product
- Architect a secure, scalable cloud-native platform (multi-tenant SaaS)
- Build core security capabilities (detection/prevention, policy, identity, response automation—depending on final scope)
- Embed security and compliance practices early (SOC 2-ready controls, secure SDLC, threat modeling)
- Recruit and lead early engineers/contractors as needed
- Partner with the founder on product strategy, positioning, and customer discovery
What we’re looking for:
- 8–12+ years of software engineering experience, including security-focused systems
- Proven zero-to-one leadership (startup, internal product, or skunkworks)
- Strong cloud experience (AWS/Azure/GCP), plus modern backend practices
- Security depth in at least two areas: IAM, cloud security, appsec, infra security, detection/response, data security, network security
- High bar for engineering quality: reliability, performance, documentation, and clean architecture
- Clear communicator who can translate between product, security, and engineering
Nice to have:
- Prior security product experience (B2B SaaS) or experience selling into security buyers
- Experience with Kubernetes, service mesh, SIEM/SOAR, Zero Trust, or policy engines
- Contributions to patents, open-source, standards, or published security research
- Experience with SOC 2 / ISO 27001 preparation
Why this role:
- True founding impact: own architecture, team building, and product direction
- Build something that matters: security outcomes, not “checkbox” features
- Equity-only until funding; designed for founders who want real ownership
Founding CTO / UK Cybersecurity Startup (Equity Only, Pre-Funding) employer: NeedTech Labs
Contact Detail:
NeedTech Labs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding CTO / UK Cybersecurity Startup (Equity Only, Pre-Funding)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cybersecurity space and let them know you're on the hunt for a Founding CTO role. Attend industry meetups or webinars to meet potential collaborators and investors—who knows, your next opportunity might just be a conversation away!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those related to security-focused systems. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also give you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job postings to appear; reach out directly to startups that interest you. Express your passion for their mission and how your experience aligns with their needs. We love seeing candidates take the initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can make a real impact. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you might just land that dream role sooner than you think!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding CTO / UK Cybersecurity Startup (Equity Only, Pre-Funding)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cybersecurity shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about building secure systems and reducing risks for organisations.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: Make sure to emphasise your zero-to-one leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can own the technical roadmap and lead a team, so share specific examples of how you've successfully built and guided teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! When detailing your experience and skills, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make your application easy to read and digest.
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 to make a real impact in the cybersecurity space.
How to prepare for a job interview at NeedTech Labs
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with security-focused systems and how you've architected scalable solutions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your zero-to-one leadership experience. Talk about how you've built teams or led projects from scratch, focusing on your ability to recruit and mentor engineers while driving product strategy.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a CTO, you'll need to bridge the gap between product, security, and engineering. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, so you can demonstrate your clear communication skills during the interview.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the startup's mission and values, and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building a secure, scalable platform that truly addresses real-world security risks for cloud-first organisations.