Chief Technology Officer

Talascend; Troy (MI); Remote; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a visionary Chief Technology Officer to lead the development of compact nuclear energy systems. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of advanced energy solutions while working in a collaborative environment filled with top engineering talent. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nuclear engineering, experience in scaling hardware from prototype to production, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Join this transformative mission at a pivotal moment, where your influence will directly impact the company's strategic direction and success.

Benefits

Competitive executive compensation

Meaningful equity ownership

Collaborative environment

Direct influence on strategic direction

Qualifications

• Proven CTO or VP of Engineering experience in early-stage hardware startups.
• Strong background in nuclear engineering and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the company’s technical vision and execution strategy.
• Scale prototype designs into manufacturable and certifiable systems.
• Grow and lead a high-performance engineering team.

Skills

Nuclear Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Defense Technologies

Systems Engineering

Leadership

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's Degree in Engineering

Job description

Talascend is currently seeking a Chief Technology Officer for a direct hire remote opportunity.

Our client has spent the last year developing functional prototypes, and is now bringing in a visionary Chief Technology Officer (CTO). We are looking for a technically exceptional and operationally strategic CTO who brings a deep background in advanced energy systems — ideally within nuclear engineering, aerospace, or defense sectors — has knowledge and connections in the relevant regulatory space, is comfortable working in a startup environment, and ideally has previously been involved in building and scaling hardware. The CTO will play a central role in refining and executing our technical roadmap, scaling a world-class engineering team, and ensuring technical alignment with our business and regulatory strategies. Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the company’s technical vision and execution strategy.
• Test and scale prototype designs into manufacturable, safe, and certifiable systems.
• Lead and grow a high-performance engineering team, including mentoring, recruiting, and building organizational structure as the company grows.
• Collaborate closely with the founding team to align product development with business milestones, fundraising efforts, and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee system-level integration across mechanical, thermal, electrical, and nuclear domains.
• Navigate the technical and regulatory complexity of deploying advanced energy systems, including nuclear-related compliance, safety, and validation.
• Serve as a key external voice to partners, customers, and investors regarding technical credibility and feasibility.

Qualifications

• Proven CTO, VP of Engineering, or engineering experience in an early-stage hardware startup , especially with complex electromechanical or energy systems.
• Background and relevant network in nuclear engineering, aerospace, propulsion systems, or defense technologies.
• Experience working with highly regulated industries and understanding relevant standards (e.g., NRC, DOD, DOE).
• Experience working with or developing batteries, engines, compact power systems, or advanced energy sources.
• Demonstrated success scaling physical hardware from prototype through to production, including DFM / DFA, test validation, and deployment.
• Effective leader with experience managing and growing small, multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong systems engineering capabilities, with a structured approach to risk, reliability, and technical decision-making.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape the future of compact nuclear energy and contribute to a high-impact global mission.
• Direct influence on technical, strategic, and organizational direction at the most formative stage.
• A collaborative, driven environment surrounded by top engineering talent.
• Competitive executive compensation and meaningful equity ownership.
• A chance to be part of something transformative — before our first major funding round.

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Chief Technology Officer • Troy, Michigan, US