Chief Technology Officer (California)

Our Client is a climate technology company tackling one of the world's toughest climate challenges: decarbonizing cement – an industry responsible for ~8% of global CO₂ emissions. Their breakthrough is a novel low-energy process that produces cement performance-equivalent to traditional OPC, at or below cost, without the high-temperature kilns that make conventional production so carbon-intensive. They have validated their material science at pilot scale and are now scaling to commercial demonstration at production facilities with industry partners worldwide . They are currently seeking a world-class leader to drive this critical phase of their journey. If you have deep expertise in powder processing, bulk solids handling, and industrial scale-up, and want to build something from the ground up that will reshape an entire industry, this is your opportunity.

Industrial Scale-Up | Process Engineering Leadership | Technology Commercialization

Location: California, USA

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a hands-on, action-oriented CTO role responsible for architecting and executing industrial scale-up strategy – transitioning validated bench-scale material science into rugged, continuous hardware at the multi-tonne per day demonstration scale. You will bring dual capability:

(1) Technical Engineering Leadership – technical and scientific background in high-volume materials processing, bulk solids handling, and advanced milling circuits; and

(2) Scale-Up Execution – translating material science into continuous industrial hardware at partner cement plants globally. Rather than pure R&D, you will focus on de-risking the technology for commercial reality – transforming a validated concept into a demonstrable, bankable industrial process.

You will solve the critical challenges of continuous processing, wear-and-tear management, energy efficiency, and consistent product quality at scale. You will build and lead the engineering function from the ground up, defining team structure, recruiting critical technical hires, establishing engineering processes and standards, and serving as a key member of the executive team. You will operate with significant autonomy, shaping the technical roadmap and escalating only critical strategic decisions to the founder or board. You will be the driving force behind delivering the technology at demonstration scale, working directly with global cement partners to integrate process into existing plant operations.

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE UNIQUE:

• The Valley of Death Navigator: You will lead the company through the most critical phase of a deep-tech startup's lifecycle – transitioning from lab validation to industrial demonstration at partner cement plants worldwide.
• First-of-a-Kind Technology: You will be delivering a novel electrochemical and mechanical activation process at demonstration scale for the first time. This requires creative problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to navigate technical uncertainty.
• Industry Integration: You will work alongside global cement partners to integrate novel technology into existing plant operations – requiring deep technical credibility and exceptional relationship management.
• Founder Mindset: You will build the engineering function from the ground up, defining team structure, recruiting critical technical hires, and establishing engineering processes and standards.
• Hands-On Leadership: This is not a desk-bound role. You will be comfortable getting your hands dirty on the pilot plant floor while setting long-term strategy.
• Mission-Driven Impact: You will help eliminate 8% of global CO₂ emissions by decarbonizing one of the world's most essential and emissions-intensive industries.
• Meaningful Equity Ownership: Share in the upside of building something transformative.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design, engineering, and commissioning of the multi-tonne per day demonstration system at partner cement plants globally.
• Apply deep expertise in high-volume powder processing, bulk solids handling, and advanced milling circuits to process design.
• Drive continuous improvement in process efficiency, energy consumption, and cost reduction.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with scale-up.

Engineering Leadership & Technology Commercialization (25%)

• Develop and execute the technical roadmap for commercialization.
• Oversee the selection and procurement of process equipment and technology packages.
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet project requirements, specifications, and quality standards.
• Provide independent, trusted oversight across all project phases while safeguarding the company's proprietary technology and intellectual property.
• Ensure engineering, procurement, schedule, cost, quality, and safety objectives remain aligned with project requirements.
• Recruit, build, and lead a world-class scientific and engineering team (targeting ~15-20 employees within 12-18 months).
• Establish engineering processes, standards, and best practices.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and execution excellence.
• Manage engineering budgets and resources effectively.

Partnerships & External Engagement (15%)

• Act as the primary technical interface with global cement industry partners during demonstration deployment.
• Build trust and credibility with legacy industry partners to integrate new technology into existing plant operations.
• Represent company’s technology to investors, partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Manage relationships with equipment vendors and engineering service providers.
• Support fundraising efforts by providing technical due diligence and demonstrating scale-up credibility.

Intellectual Property & Technical Oversight (5%)

• Oversee the protection and expansion of company’s IP portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and industry standards.
• Monitor and report on technical progress to the executive team and board.

REQUIREMENTS :

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated industrial experience in process engineering, scale-up, or operations.
• Proven experience in engineering leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of scaling a novel materials processing, mechanochemical, or electrochemical technology from pilot to production.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects from FEED/FEL through engineering, procurement, and delivery.
• Deep technical engineering knowledge across mechanical, process, or chemical engineering disciplines, with the ability to review and challenge engineering deliverables.
• Deep understanding of high-volume powder processing, bulk solids handling, and advanced milling circuits.
• Experience with continuous processing, wear-and-tear management, energy efficiency, and product quality consistency.
• Strong understanding of engineering governance, project controls, schedule management, cost management, and risk management.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing engineering teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and convince legacy industry partners to integrate new technology into existing plant operations.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing multi-million-dollar engineering and demonstration plant budgets.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing capabilities.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, resource-constrained startup environment.
• Willingness to be hands-on and get involved in technical details.

HIGHLY ADVANTAGEOUS:

Experience within one or more of the following sectors would be highly regarded:

• Pioneered early-stage pilot lines within elite hardware ecosystems, including dry-electrode and powder processing teams at leading electric vehicle or battery recycling manufacturers, as well as bulk crushing and materials handling operations at advanced recycling or metals recovery facilities.

Track B – Heavy Industry Veteran:

• Deep operational expertise from established companies in:
• Minerals Processing: Leading global lime and minerals producers
• Materials: Major multinational cement, chemicals, and industrial materials corporations
• Mining: Global mining houses with significant bulk commodities or precious metals operations

Additional Advantageous Experience:

• Experience delivering first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects or technology commercialization.
• Experience with electrochemical systems and renewable energy integration.
• Experience with cement, lime, or minerals processing industries.
• Experience with government grant programs (DOE, ARPA-E).
• Experience working internationally with multiple global partners.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted .