CTO & Co-founder (Robotics Automation)
Job Description
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 alongside the commercial co-founder, aligning technical strategy with business goals.
Hands-on development & prototyping: Architecting and building the MVP of the robotics automation platform.
Technical Strategy: Defining the tech stack, software/hardware architecture, and product scalability roadmap.
R&D and Innovation: Monitoring robotics, AI, and automation trends to maintain a competitive technological edge.
Team Building: Recruiting, leading, and mentoring a small, agile team of top-tier engineers.
Product-Tech Alignment: Translating customer feedback and market needs into robust technical requirements.
Engineering Culture: Creating an internal culture focused on code quality, ownership, rapid iteration, and high execution standards.
Infrastructure & Security: 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).
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 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,
Equity package in the co-created startup,
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
Interview with HR
Business case
Interview with the Investor
Workshops (business & product vision)
Agreeing on the terms of cooperation (remuneration + shares)