Chief Technology Officer

NorthStar Hiring Partners; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

EAP

Job summary

NorthStar Hiring Partners is seeking a hands-on Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in Winchester, VA to lead engineering, drive technology strategy, and oversee secure, reliable solutions for government and commercial clients. The role blends strategic leadership with technical execution across IP networking, cybersecurity, VoIP, and NG9-1-1 initiatives.

The ideal candidate will mentor teams, manage budgets, and partner with executives to set technical priorities while remaining actively engaged in

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on telecommunications/networking experience
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams and projects
• Experience translating business objectives into engineering execution plans
• Experience supporting enterprise-level, government, public safety, or mission-critical environments
• Strong knowledge of IP networking, cybersecurity, and VoIP technologies

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute technology strategies aligned with organizational goals
• Translate business requirements into engineering roadmaps and deployment plans
• Provide hands-on technical leadership and guidance
• Oversee engineering activities for MSP, federal consulting, and NG9-1-1 projects
• Manage resources, milestones, budgets, and performance standards
• Ensure reliability, security, and customer satisfaction across deployments

Skills

Player-coach leadership

IP networking

Cybersecurity

VoIP

Public safety communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering

Tools

NG9-1-1 testing methodologies

Job description

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Location: Winchester, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Executive Leadership
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Eastern Time
Work Arrangement: On-site; hybrid arrangements may be considered for candidates outside the local area
Relocation Assistance: Available
Industry: Defense, Telecommunications & Technology Services

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead engineering operations, drive technology strategy, and oversee the delivery of secure, reliable, and innovative technology solutions.

This is an executive leadership opportunity for a technically accomplished professional who thrives as both a strategic leader and a hands‑on contributor. The ideal candidate is a true player-coach who can develop technology strategies, lead engineering teams, solve complex technical challenges, and remain actively involved in technical operations and project execution.

The organization provides technology and communications solutions across three primary business areas:

• Commercial Managed Services Provider (MSP)
• Public Safety Communications, including Next Generation 911 (NG9-1-1)
• Independent Technology Testing and Interoperability Services

The CTO will oversee engineering teams supporting managed services, federal consulting initiatives, and NG9-1-1 interoperability testing. The successful candidate will bring extensive expertise in IP networking, cybersecurity, Voice over IP (VoIP), and mission‑critical public safety communications.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Engineering Leadership

• Develop and execute technology strategies aligned with organizational goals and business objectives.
• Translate high‑level business requirements into actionable engineering roadmaps, technical solutions, and deployment plans.
• Serve as a hands‑on technical leader, providing expertise and guidance on complex engineering challenges.
• Oversee engineering activities supporting managed IT services, federal consulting projects, and public safety communications.
• Evaluate existing technology infrastructure, identify areas for improvement, and implement scalable, secure solutions.
• Partner with executive leadership to establish technical priorities, evaluate emerging technologies, and support business growth.

Operational Management & Project Execution

• Direct daily engineering operations to ensure projects are completed efficiently, securely, and within established timelines.
• Manage engineering resources, project milestones, technical deliverables, and operational budgets.
• Establish performance standards, technical procedures, and accountability measures across engineering teams.
• Monitor project progress, resolve technical obstacles, and ensure successful deployment of technology solutions.
• Maintain high standards for service reliability, system availability, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Balance strategic planning responsibilities with direct involvement in technical problem‑solving and operational execution.

Cybersecurity & Network Infrastructure

• Provide technical leadership in IP networking, network architecture, cybersecurity, and telecommunications systems.
• Oversee cybersecurity initiatives designed to protect critical infrastructure, communication platforms, and client environments.
• Evaluate and strengthen network security, operational resilience, and technology risk management practices.
• Guide engineering teams in troubleshooting complex network, security, and communication system challenges.
• Ensure engineering solutions meet applicable security requirements, technical standards, and client expectations.

Public Safety Communications & Telecommunications

• Provide technical oversight of Voice over IP (VoIP) systems and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Support Next Generation 911 (NG9-1-1) systems, emergency communications technologies, and interoperability testing initiatives.
• Ensure mission-critical communication systems meet stringent reliability, security, and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and technical stakeholders to develop, validate, and improve public safety communications solutions.
• Support technical initiatives involving government clients, commercial customers, and specialized communication environments.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team.
• Establish clear expectations, performance objectives, and professional development opportunities.
• Provide hands‑on coaching and technical guidance to engineering professionals.
• Conduct performance evaluations, identify skill gaps, and implement development strategies.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting engineering talent.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable, and solutions-oriented engineering culture.
• Encourage continuous improvement, technical excellence, and operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.

Professional Experience

• 10+ years of hands‑on experience in telecommunications, network engineering, or closely related technical environments.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams, technical operations, and complex project lifecycles.
• Demonstrated success leading engineering organizations while maintaining direct technical involvement.
• Experience developing technical strategies and translating business objectives into engineering execution plans.
• Proven ability to manage multiple technical projects, allocate resources, and oversee operational budgets.Experience supporting enterprise-level, government, public safety, or mission‑critical technology environments.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of IP networking, network infrastructure, architecture, routing, and switching.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, network security, risk mitigation, and infrastructure protection.
• Extensive experience with Voice over IP (VoIP) systems and telecommunications technologies.
• Knowledge of Next Generation 911 (NG9-1-1), emergency communications systems, and interoperability requirements.
• Familiarity with Managed Service Provider (MSP) operations and technical service delivery.
• Strong technical troubleshooting, systems evaluation, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ability to assess technical requirements and guide engineering teams through complex implementations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an experienced technology executive who combines strategic vision with hands‑on engineering expertise.

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

• Lead from the front: Remain technically engaged and can step into complex engineering challenges when needed.
• Think strategically and execute effectively: Translate business objectives into practical technical solutions.
• Develop strong teams: Enjoy coaching, mentoring, and building capable engineering professionals.
• Understand mission‑critical environments: Recognize the importance of security, reliability, and performance in public safety and government communications.
• Take ownership: Demonstrate accountability for engineering performance, project delivery, and operational results.
• Communicate effectively: Collaborate confidently with executive leadership, engineering teams, customers, and technical stakeholders.

This position is best suited for a hands‑on technology executive rather than a leader whose experience is primarily strategic or administrative.

Work Schedule & Location

This position is based in Winchester, Virginia, with a standard Monday through Friday schedule from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

The position is primarily office-based. Hybrid arrangements may be considered for qualified candidates residing outside the immediate area.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Applicants must have current authorization to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship.

Benefits & Perks

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Bereavement leave
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates