Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Location: Pittsburgh, PA (in-person) Company: Shelfmark, Inc.Shelfmark is building the next generation of industrial intelligence systems—combining computer vision, machine learning, and productized hardware to detect defects in real time across high-speed manufacturing environments. Our systems operate in some of the most demanding production settings in the world, where milliseconds and microns matter. We imagine a future where continuously flow manufacturing – which accounts for 30% of all global manufacturing – is automated end-to-end, with Shelfmark at the center.The RoleWe are hiring our first Chief Technology Officer to lead Shelfmark's technical organization through its next phase of growth. This is a hands-on executive role responsible for architecting, building, and scaling a deeply integrated system and team spanning hardware, firmware, software, and machine learning.You will own the technical vision and execution of the company, ensuring that Shelfmark's platform evolves into a robust, scalable, and category-defining product.This role requires a rare combination: systems-level thinking, comfort with real-world industrial constraints, and experience scaling teams and products from early-stage to production at meaningful revenue. The appropriate candidate will also be comfortable in steel toed boots, working side by side with our customers on the factory floor.What You'll DoTechnical Leadership & ArchitectureDefine and own Shelfmark's end-to-end technical architecture across:Vision systems (cameras, optics, encoders, lighting)Edge compute and firmwareReal-time data pipelines and software platformMachine learning models and deployment infrastructureMake critical productization and scalability decisions on hardware and software components and implementationEnsure system reliability at industrial speeds (e.g., high line speeds, high-resolution inspection)Team Building & ScalingBuild and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering team across:Computer vision / MLEmbedded systems / firmwareFull-stack / backend softwareHardware / systems engineeringRecruit top-tier talent and establish a strong engineering cultureImplement processes that enable speed without sacrificing quality, including a robust AI-driven development strategy built for scaleOperational ExcellenceOwn system performance in real-world deployments (uptime, accuracy, latency)Build infrastructure for remote monitoring, diagnostics, and continuous improvementDevelop scalable deployment and implementation frameworks across customer sitesStrategic LeadershipServe as a key member of the executive teamContribute to fundraising, investor discussions, and technical diligenceHelp define the long-term vision of Shelfmark as a category leader in industrial AIWhat We're Looking ForExperience10+ years in engineering, with significant leadership experiencePrior experience as a senior technical leader (VP Eng, CTO, or equivalent) at a startup or high-growth companyProven track record of taking a complex technical product from early stage to scaled deploymentExperience in at least two of the following domains, and strong familiarity with the others:Computer vision / machine learningEmbedded systems / firmwareIndustrial hardware systems (cameras, sensors, automation)Scalable software platformsTechnical DepthStrong systems thinker who can operate across the full stack—from photons to cloudExperience with real-time systems and high-throughput data environmentsFamiliarity with off-the-shelf vision hardware (e.g., industrial cameras, lenses, lighting)Experience deploying ML models in production, especially at the edgeLeadership & MindsetBuilder mentality: willing to go from whiteboard ? prototype ? productionHigh ownership and accountabilityAbility to operate in ambiguity and move quicklyStrong communicator who can bridge technical and non-technical stakeholdersBonus PointsExperience in manufacturing, industrial automation, or inspection systemsExperience with line-scan or high-speed imaging systemsBackground working with PLCs or industrial control systemsPrior experience scaling a company from $1M to $10M+ in revenueCompensationCompetitive salaryMeaningful equity ownershipOpportunity to define and lead the technical foundation of the company