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.