CTO with background in AI/ML, embedded systems, UAV (MilTech start-up) (вакансія неактивна)

We are looking for a CTO to join the American military-tech start-up (the founders are from Ukraine and the USA).

The CTO will play a critical role in guiding architectural and managerial aspects of the company’s entire technology stack so that the company can scale from 5 to 500 clients.

This is a contract-based, full-time, fully remote role with a flexible schedule, though availability is required during overlapping hours with the USA time zone (no strict hours, to be discussed with the founders). Long-term cooperation.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven Experience in Software Architecture. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing scalable, high-performance software architectures, preferably in UAV or related domains.
• Technical Expertise. Deep understanding of backend development (Python, REST APIs), frontend technologies (JavaScript, Vue.js), cloud infrastructure (AWS, Docker, Kubernetes), and data engineering (ETL, data lakes, neural networks). Familiarity with UAV-specific technologies such as MAVLink and mission planning tools is essential.
• Leadership & Management Experience. Proven track record of leading and managing multidisciplinary software development teams, with strong project management skills. Experience in setting goals, managing timelines, and delivering high-quality software products on schedule.
• Excellent Communication Skills. Ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in preparing technical documentation and reports.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking. Strong analytical skills with the ability to anticipate potential issues, assess risks, and develop effective solutions. A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement in processes, tools, and technologies.
• MLOps & DevOps Knowledge. Experience with MLOps practices for deploying and maintaining machine learning models in production. Strong understanding of CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and infrastructure as code (Terraform).
• Security & Compliance Awareness. Knowledge of best practices in software security, data protection, and compliance with relevant regulations, particularly those related to UAV operations and data management.
• Adaptability & Continuous Learning. Eagerness to stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends. Ability to quickly adapt to new challenges and technologies, fostering a culture of innovation within the team.
• MUST be able to travel outside of Ukraine.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of UAV Systems. Experience working with UAV systems, including the integration of hardware and software components, flight control systems, and real-time data processing.
• Agile Methodologies. Experience working within Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) and leading Agile teams.

Areas of Responsibility:

Software Architecture Design & Strategy:

System Architecture Design.

• Define the overall software architecture for the system, ensuring it is scalable, secure, and maintainable.
• Develop the architecture for backend services, frontend interfaces, data pipelines, and integration with UAV hardware and protocols.
• Ensure the architecture supports real-time data processing, robust communication between components, and efficient resource management.
• Technology Stack Selection.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for the project, balancing innovation with reliability.
• Ensure consistency in technology usage across different teams, facilitating seamless integration and reducing technical debt.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and assess their potential impact on the project.
• Integration & Interoperability.
• Oversee the integration of various subsystems, including backend APIs, frontend interfaces, cloud infrastructure, and UAV hardware (partially).
• Ensure that all components are interoperable and that the system meets the performance and security requirements.
• Develop and enforce best practices for API design, data exchange formats, and communication protocols (e.g., MAVLink).
• Scalability & Performance Optimization.
• Design the system architecture to handle large-scale deployments, with the ability to scale efficiently as the project grows.
• Implement performance optimization strategies, including load balancing, caching, and asynchronous processing.
• Monitor and optimize system performance, ensuring low latency, high availability, and minimal downtime.

Team Leadership & Project Management:

Team Leadership.

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team, including backend developers, frontend developers, data engineers, integration engineers, and DevOps specialists.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment, encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, helping them grow their skills and advance in their careers.
• Project Planning & Execution.
• Develop project timelines, set milestones, and ensure that the team meets deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Coordinate with other departments (e.g., product management, QA, hardware) to align project goals and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies to keep the project on track.
• Stakeholder Communication.
• Act as the primary point of contact between the development team and external stakeholders, including product owners, customers, and management.
• Translate technical concepts and project status into clear, actionable information for non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensure that stakeholder requirements are accurately captured and reflected in the project deliverables.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance.
• Establish and enforce coding standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes across the team.
• Ensure that the software meets industry standards for security, performance, and maintainability.
• Oversee compliance with relevant regulations and certifications, particularly those related to UAV systems and data security.

Technical Oversight & Continuous Improvement:

Code Review & Technical Documentation.

• Lead code reviews to ensure high-quality code, adherence to architectural guidelines, and knowledge transfer within the team.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including architecture diagrams, API specifications, and deployment guides.
• Ensure that the documentation is up-to-date and accessible to all relevant stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging the team to identify and implement process enhancements.
• Stay current with the latest trends in software development, UAV technology, and DevOps practices, and integrate relevant innovations into the project.
• Conduct post-mortems and retrospectives to identify lessons learned and apply them to future projects.
• MLOps & Data-Driven Development.
• Oversee the integration of machine learning models into the system, ensuring that MLOps practices are followed for continuous delivery and monitoring.
• Support the data engineering team in building robust data pipelines, ensuring that data is collected, processed, and stored efficiently.
• Leverage data analytics to make informed decisions about system design, performance optimization, and feature development.

When you apply for this role, please answer the below questions:

1. Do you have experience in software architecture?
2. Do you have practical experience with the required technical expertise? Backend development (Python, REST APIs), cloud infrastructure, and data engineering.
3. Do you have commercial experience with AI and ML?
4. Do you have any DevOps experience?
5. Do you have any experience working with UAV systems?
6. What is your level of proficiency in English?
7. Please state your salary expectations (monthly amount in USD).
8. Can you travel outside of Ukraine?