CTO & Co-founder (Robotics Automation)

Location: Remote / EU

Stage: Early-stage startup

Product: Robotics automation platform

About the role

We are looking for a CTO & Co-founder to co-build a startup focused on developing a cutting-edge automation platform using robotics technologies. Together with your co-founder (commercial profile), you will form the core leadership team.

This is a highly hands-on founder role, not a corporate executive position. In the early days, you will be the primary builder - architecting the platform, writing code, and integrating technologies. You will play a key role in transforming a bold vision into a functional, scalable product while shaping the company's technical strategy from the ground up.

Your mission is to bridge the gap between complex robotics tech and commercial viability, building a high-performing engineering culture as the company scales.

Your responsibilities

• Co-managing the company with the commercial co-founder and aligning technical strategy with business goals,

• Hands-on development & prototyping: Architecting and building the MVP of the robotics automation platform,

• Leveraging Physical AI models to drive process automation, optimizing operational efficiency in real-world, hardware-driven environments,

• Defining the tech stack, software/hardware architecture, and product scalability roadmap,

• Monitoring robotics, AI, and automation trends to maintain a competitive technological edge,

• Recruiting, leading, and mentoring a small, agile team of top-tier engineers (including AI/ML specialists as the team grows),

• Translating customer feedback and market needs into robust technical requirements,

• Creating an internal culture focused on code quality, ownership, rapid iteration, and high execution standards,

• Setting up internal dev processes, CI/CD pipelines, and ensuring data security/compliance.
  

Who we are looking for (must-have)

• At least 3+ years of leadership experience in startups or tech companies (e.g., Lead Engineer, Tech Lead, Architect, or CTO),

• At least 3+ years of hands-on experience working with robotics technologies (ROS/ROS2, simulation environments, computer vision, or control systems),

• Familiarity with Physical AI / Embodied AI, including the challenges of bridging the gap between digital models and physical hardware (e.g., sim-to-real transfer, sensor noise, or edge constraints),

• Strong software engineering background with proven experience in building scalable platforms, products, or deep-tech architecture from scratch,

• Entrepreneurial mindset - you understand that pragmatic execution and shipping fast beat perfect, over-engineered code in an early-stage setup,

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a knack for operating effectively in fast-paced, high-uncertainty environments,

• Fluent Polish and English (spoken and written).
  

Nice to have

• Experience in full AI/ML development pipeline, including data collection and processing, architecture design, training, and fine-tuning,

• Experience in robotics automation platforms, IoT, cloud-edge architecture, or industrial automation,

• Experience working with hardware + software integration (mechatronics, embedded systems),

• Background in deep-tech, AI, or engineering-driven startups,

• Experience participating in fundraising processes and explaining technical concepts to non-technical investors.

What we offer

• Co-founder role with real, equal influence over company direction and technical ownership,

• Opportunity to build and lead a robotics startup from scratch,

• Remuneration: at least PLN 17 000 net B2B + VAT,

• A package of shares in the co-created start-up,

• Support from an experienced startup studio and capital group,

• Access to industry experts and startup-building know-how,

• Fast decision-making and a high-impact environment.

Red Sky is conducting this recruitment process. The cooperation concerns a newly established start-up.

Recruitment process

1. Interview with HR (~45 min)

2. Tech Interview (~ 60 min.)

3. Interview with the CEO (~30 min)

4. Interview with the Investor (~45 min)

5. Workshops (technical & product alignment)

6. Agreeing on the terms of cooperation (remuneration )