Chief Technology Officer

Talascend, LLC; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a visionary Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the development of advanced energy systems. This role offers the chance to shape the future of compact nuclear energy while collaborating with top engineering talent. The CTO will define the technical roadmap, scale engineering teams, and navigate regulatory complexities. If you have a strong background in nuclear engineering, aerospace, or defense, and are ready to make a significant impact in a startup environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of technology and help drive transformative change in the energy sector.

Benefits

Health and disability insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

Equity ownership

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a CTO or VP of Engineering in hardware startups.
• Strong background in nuclear engineering and energy systems.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership in engineering teams

Nuclear engineering knowledge

Advanced energy systems expertise

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Systems engineering capabilities

Experience in hardware startups

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in a relevant field

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 with a deep background in advanced energy systems — ideally within nuclear engineering, aerospace, or defense sectors. The candidate should have knowledge and connections in the relevant regulatory space, be comfortable working in a startup environment, and ideally have experience in building and scaling hardware. The CTO will play a central role in refining and executing the technical roadmap, scaling a world-class engineering team, and ensuring technical alignment with business and regulatory strategies.

Key Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

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

What We Offer

• 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.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those qualified individuals who closely meet the qualifications of the position will be contacted. The details of the position are only a summary; other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Drug Screen may be required.

We will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to Federal, State, and Local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Talascend is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Applicants with criminal histories are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit California Fair Chance Act.

Pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Talascend also offers a variety of benefits including health and disability insurance, 401(k), EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, plan requirements, schedule type, and client work site mandates.

Talascend is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.