We are seeking a hands-on Chief Technology Officer to join an innovative robotics startup focused on the automotive industry. This is a full-time leadership opportunity for an experienced robotics engineer who can combine deep technical expertise with the ability to build and lead a high-performing engineering organization. You'll be responsible for the technical direction of the company, with a strong focus on robotics, automation, motion, controls, and taking technology from prototype through production.
This is not a traditional CTO role where you're removed from the engineering work. The ideal candidate will be in the lab, working with the team, reviewing designs, troubleshooting systems, and helping solve difficult robotics problems. You'll have significant influence over the company's technology roadmap and the opportunity to help shape both the product and engineering culture from an early stage. If you enjoy building things from the ground up and want to have a direct impact on the future of automotive automation, this is an opportunity to make a major impact.
Required Skills & Experience
8+ years of experience in robotics, automation, controls, or a closely related field
Significant hands-on robotics engineering experience
Experience taking robotic systems from concept and prototyping through deployment or production
Strong understanding of robotics systems, including motion, controls, sensing, actuation, and system integration
Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams
Strong software and hardware integration experience
Experience troubleshooting complex robotic systems in a hands-on environment
Experience developing technical roadmaps and making architecture decisions
Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, controls, and software interfaces within robotic systems
Ability to move between high-level technical strategy and detailed engineering problems
Strong communication skills and ability to work directly with engineers, customers, and company leadership
Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
Desired Skills & Experience
Experience in automotive manufacturing, robotics, or industrial automation
Experience with ROS/ROS2
Experience with robotic arms, manipulators, autonomous systems, or industrial robots
Experience with motion planning and control systems
Experience with computer vision, perception, or sensor fusion
Experience with PLCs, industrial controls, or factory automation
Experience with C++, Python, or similar robotics-focused programming languages
Experience with embedded systems and real-time controls
Experience designing systems for high reliability and production environments
Experience working with automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or manufacturing organizations
Experience hiring and building engineering teams at an early-stage company
Startup experience in a technical leadership role
Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering or technical discipline
What You Will Be Doing
Define and own the company's overall technical strategy and robotics roadmap
Lead the development of robotic systems from early prototypes through production
Work directly with engineers on difficult technical and system-level challenges
Make architecture and technology decisions across robotics hardware and software
Lead integration of mechanical, electrical, controls, perception, and software systems
Establish engineering processes, standards, and development practices
Build, mentor, and grow a world-class robotics engineering team
Recruit and retain key technical talent as the company scales
Oversee prototyping, testing, validation, and deployment of robotic systems
Work closely with customers and partners to translate real-world requirements into technical solutions
Evaluate new robotics technologies, platforms, and tools
Troubleshoot system-level problems and help the engineering team get to root cause quickly
Balance technical performance, reliability, cost, and time-to-market considerations
Help establish the company's engineering culture and technical vision
Communicate technical progress, risks, and roadmap decisions to company leadership and investors
Tech Breakdown
30% Robotics Systems / Motion / Controls
20% Hands-On Engineering & System Integration
15% Technical Architecture & Product Development
15% Engineering Leadership & Team Building
10% Software / Embedded Systems
10% Customer, Partner & Executive Collaboration
Daily Responsibilities
40% Hands-On Robotics Engineering
20% Technical Leadership & Problem Solving
15% Team Building & Mentorship
15% Product / Technology Strategy
10% Customer & Business Collaboration
The Offer
Competitive executive-level compensation
Equity opportunity in an early-stage robotics company
Significant ownership over the company's technology direction
Opportunity to build and lead a robotics engineering organization
Hands-on involvement in cutting-edge automotive robotics
Direct impact on product development and company strategy
Opportunity to work alongside a highly technical founding team
Fast-paced startup environment with significant room for growth
You will receive the following benefits:
Medical Insurance
Dental Benefits
Vision Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO)
401(k)
Equity Participation
Professional Development Opportunities
Flexible Startup Environment
Career Growth and Leadership Opportunities
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis now and in the future.
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.
- Dice Id: 10105282
- Position Id: 888190
- Posted 14 hours ago
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