Chief Technology Officer
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 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. To find out more 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.