Chief Technology Officer

Forsyth Barnes; Berlin; On-site; EUR 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Job summary

Forsyth Barnes is seeking a Chief Technology Officer/Founding Engineer to lead the next phase of technical growth for a FinTech/AI startup in Berlin.

As CTO, you will own the technology strategy, engineering organisation, and technical roadmap, building high‑performing teams across software, data and AI, and aligning technology with business priorities.

Qualifications

• Senior technology leader with proven CTO/Engineering Director experience.
• Experience scaling engineering teams in high-growth SaaS/FinTech environments.
• Strong understanding of modern software architecture and cloud infrastructure.
• Exposure to AI/ML and automation-led products.
• Ability to align technology decisions with business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute long-term technology vision.
• Build and lead engineering teams across software, data and AI.
• Oversee platform architecture for scalable, secure systems.
• Drive AI adoption to enhance products and operations.
• Collaborate with CEO and product leadership on technical solutions.
• Establish engineering best practices and delivery processes.
• Foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.

Skills

Engineering leadership

SaaS/FinTech

Cloud infrastructure

Distributed systems

AI/ML exposure

Tech strategy

Platform scaling

Regulated environments

Job description

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) / Founding Engineer

We're working with an ambitious, high-growth technology business operating at the intersection of FinTech, AI and automation. As the company continues to scale its platform and expand its engineering capabilities, it is looking to appoint a Chief Technology Officer/Founding Engineer to lead its next stage of technical growth.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a technology leader who can combine strategic direction with strong technical understanding, building high-performing teams and delivering scalable, innovative products.

The Role

As CTO/Founding Engineer, you will take ownership of the company's technology strategy, engineering organisation and technical roadmap.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Technology Strategy: Define and execute the long-term technology vision, ensuring it supports the company’s commercial objectives and growth plans.
• Engineering Leadership: Build, develop and lead high-performing engineering teams across software engineering, data and AI.
• Platform & Architecture: Oversee the design and development of scalable, secure and reliable technology platforms.
• AI & Automation: Drive the adoption of AI, machine learning and automation to enhance products, operations and customer experience.
• Product Collaboration: Work closely with the CEO, founders and Product leadership to translate business priorities into technical solutions.
• Delivery & Execution: Establish engineering best practices, improve development processes and ensure consistent delivery.
• Technical Culture: Create an environment that encourages ownership, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a CTO, VP of Engineering, Engineering Director or senior technology leader.
• Experience scaling engineering teams within a high-growth technology, SaaS or FinTech environment.
• Strong understanding of modern software architecture, cloud infrastructure and distributed systems.
• Exposure to AI/ML, LLMs or automation-led products.
• Experience building and scaling customer-facing platforms in complex or regulated environments.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to align technology decisions with business objectives.
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and technical levels.

The Opportunity

• €130,000-€180,000 annual base salary, depending on experience.
• Equity participation.
• Significant ownership of the technology vision and engineering strategy.
• Opportunity to shape and scale a growing technology organisation.
• Close collaboration with founders and executive leadership.
• The chance to influence innovative FinTech and AI-driven products.

If you're currently leading technology within a FinTech, SaaS or AI business, or considering your next CTO-level opportunity, we'd be keen to have a confidential conversation.