Cofounder & Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Adastra - Denver, CO

Full-time - Executive

Denver, CO

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

About the position

The Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will lead the technical execution of a pioneering mission in in-space manufacturing. This role is crucial for shaping the company's direction and culture, working closely with the CEO to define the product roadmap, build an engineering team, and develop the world's first orbital factory for large-scale production. The CTO will drive innovation in advanced manufacturing technologies and represent the company's technical vision to various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Architect and oversee the development of the in-space manufacturing platform.
• Recruit, lead, and mentor a world-class team of hardware, software, test, and manufacturing engineers.
• Cultivate a culture of extreme ownership, hardware-rich development, and first principles thinking.
• Drive innovation in areas such as fiber optics, semiconductor materials, large space structures, reentry vehicles, and robotics for space applications.
• Collaborate with external partners, including space agencies and launch providers.
• Represent the company's technical vision to investors, customers, and the public.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace engineering, with a focus on spacecraft systems and/or advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Strong background in materials science, robotics, or related fields relevant to space-based manufacturing.
• Proven track record of leading technical teams and on tight timelines from conception through design, qualification, and flight.
• Experience with the unique challenges of operating in space environments.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-risk startup environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous experience as a founder or early employee at a space technology startup.
• Familiarity with commercial space technical standards and qualification processes.
• Experience with securing government contracts or grants with NASA or the Department of Defense.

Benefits

• Direct hire, permanent placement opportunity.
• Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment.