CTO (Aerospace)

Darwin Space are currently hiring for a CTO in Italy.

Core Responsibilities

• End-to-End System Architecture and Define the architecture of the full stack: Platforms (balloons, HAPS evolution), Payload integration (third-party sensors, SAR, optical), Data pipeline (processing, fusion)
• Aerospace & Hardware Engineering Leadership and Oversee design and evolution of: Stratospheric platforms, Flight systems and control architecture and Power, thermal, and payload integration. Define engineering standards for: Reliability, Redundancy and Mission‑critical systems
• Certification & Regulatory Compliance, Ensure compliance with: Aviation and stratospheric flight regulations, Defense and dual‑use requirements and Data security and sovereignty constraints. Lead technical interface with: ESA, EUSPA, national defense bodies and Certification authorities
• AI, Data & Platform Strategy, Oversee development of: CLEAR platform, Data pipelines and infrastructure, AI models and agent‑based systems. Ensure that AI capabilities are: Grounded in real data, Scalable across use cases and Align AI roadmap with data acquisition capabilities
• Engineering Execution with Own delivery of: Platform evolution roadmap and CLEAR MVP and subsequent releases. Establish scalable engineering processes: Hardware + software integration workflows and Testing and validation pipelines. Maintain balance between: Speed (startup execution) and Robustness (deep‑tech reliability)
• Team Building & Leadership to Build and lead a multi‑disciplinary team of Aerospace engineers, Hardware engineers, AI / software engineers and Systems engineers

Candidate Profile

• Strong experience in complex engineering systems, ideally including: Aerospace, robotics, or other mission‑critical hardware domains
• Proven ability to: Lead hardware + software integrated systems and Scale engineering teams
• Experience with: Productization of deep‑tech systems (from prototype to production)
• Solid understanding of: System architecture (multi‑layer, multi‑domain)
• Hands‑on mindset
• Experience in: Stratospheric systems, UAVs, satellites, or HAPS and Payload integration (optical, SAR, sensors)
• Familiarity with: Defense or dual‑use environments and Certification processes (aviation, space, or similar)
• Exposure to: AI / data platforms and Geospatial or EO systems and Critical Traits (Non‑Negotiable)
• This Role Is not a pure AI CTO, pure aerospace specialist or purely managerial executive. This is a full‑stack deep‑tech CTO role bridging hardware, aerospace, AI, and industrialization.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

James Godfrey

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