CTO

ALFA AI GmbH; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Alfa AI in San Francisco seeks a Chief Technology Officer to own the tech roadmap, architecture, and engineering organization in a hybrid environment. You will partner with the executive team to ensure the tech strategy enables scalable, high-performance platforms and long-term resilience.

The role requires executive leadership, strong background in distributed systems and cloud technologies, and the ability to align technology with business goals for rapid growth.

Qualifications

• Proven executive-level leadership experience (CTO/VP Eng/Head of Eng)
• Expert in enterprise architecture, technology evaluation, and roadmaps
• Deep expertise in software architecture, distributed systems, cloud, microservices
• Experience managing stakeholders, board reporting, and investor relations
• Track record aligning technical vision with product strategy for growth

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the technology strategy, enterprise architecture, and multi-year roadmap.
• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing engineering teams with strong practices.
• Architect and oversee scalable distributed systems and cloud infrastructure for high avail/ performance.
• Collaborate with C-suite, board, and investors to align tech initiatives with milestones.
• Champion engineering excellence with standards for delivery, microservices, and security.

Skills

Executive leadership

Enterprise architecture

Distributed systems

Cloud architecture

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

AWS/Azure

Docker/Kubernetes

Job description

Are you an executive technology leader ready to shape the future of a high-growth platform from the ground up? Alfa AI is recruiting a Chief Technology Officer on behalf of a client based in San Francisco. Alfa AI delivers AI-powered recruitment solutions to help modern businesses find top talent faster, and we are partnering with our client to secure an exceptional technical visionary.

In this permanent, full-time role, you will take full ownership of the overarching technical roadmap, systems architecture, and engineering organisation. Operating in a hybrid working arrangement in San Francisco, you will partner directly with the executive team to align technological innovation with strategic commercial objectives, ensuring the engineering function is built for scale, performance, and long-term resilience. Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, articulate, and execute the complete technology strategy, enterprise architecture, and multi-year technical roadmap.
• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing engineering teams, establishing clear organisational design and robust engineering practices.
• Architect and oversee modern, highly scalable distributed systems and cloud infrastructure to ensure high availability and platform performance.
• Collaborate closely with C-suite peers, board members, and external investors to align engineering initiatives with core product and business milestones.
• Champion technical excellence, setting rigorous standards for software delivery, microservices architecture, and system security.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven executive-level leadership experience as a CTO, VP of Engineering, or Head of Engineering, with a strong background in mentoring directors and scaling teams.
• Demonstrated mastery in enterprise architecture, technology evaluation, innovation strategy, and driving large-scale technical roadmaps.
• Deep technical expertise in software architecture, distributed systems design, cloud architecture, microservices, and high-availability platforms.
• Extensive experience in executive stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, board reporting, and investor relations.
• Track record of aligning technical vision with product strategy to support robust organizational growth.

Nice-to-have

• Experience managing technical budgets, P&L allocation, and resource forecasting.
• Practical exposure to vendor negotiations, procurement, and third-party software evaluations.

What We Offer / Why Join This is an opportunity to lead the end-to-end technology vision and build out an engineering organisation in the heart of San Francisco. You will hold a critical seat at the executive table, directly influencing core product direction, architecting scalable platforms, and driving technological decisions that shape the future of the business.