Chief Technology Officer

Founding AI Engineer / Technical CTO

AI / Machine Learning / Backend Engineering

£90,000–£100,000 + Equity

London – Hybrid OR Remote Working within UK

I'm currently working with an early-stage, well-funded tech startup who are looking for a Founding AI Engineer/CTO to join their growing team in London.

They are building a next-generation used across various social media and events platforms. With a strong product vision and MVP already in place, they are now looking for their first senior technical hire to shape the future of the platform.

In this role, you will take ownership of the core technology across a wide range of areas - focusing on developing and enhancing the platform, building and scaling AI-driven matching systems, improving data-driven feedback loops and designing a robust, privacy-first architecture. You’ll work closely with the founders to define the technical direction and will play a key role in building out the engineering team as the company grows across 2026.

The role is based in London and although their preference would be once a week in the office, they can offer fully remote within the UK.

Key Responsibilities

Design and build AI/ML-powered matching or recommendation systems

Develop scalable backend systems in Express

Work in full stack environment using Typescript & Nextjs

Confident working on Cloud technologies preferably GCP

Create and optimise feedback loops to continuously improve platform outcomes

Ensure high standards of performance, reliability, and data security

Contribute to technical strategy and architecture decisions

Support the transition from individual contributor to team leadership as the company scales

Collaborate closely with product and leadership teams to shape the roadmap

Required Skills & Experience

Strong experience building and deploying production AI/ML systems

Solid backend or full-stack engineering experience using Nextjs, Typescript, Express

Strong understanding of system design, scalability, and performance optimisation

Experience leading projects or teams, or readiness to step into a leadership role

Experience working on high-impact, user-facing products

Desirable

Experience within consumer platforms such as social media or events

Exposure to behavioural data, user modelling, or network-based systems

Background in early-stage startups or building products from zero to one

Familiarity with privacy-first design and secure data architectures

Salary: £90,000–£100,000 + Equity

Benefits: Equity, Pension, Flexible Working

If this role sounds of interest, then please apply and I can give you a call.

Tim Stock

(url removed)

(phone number removed) / (phone number removed)