Chief Technology Officer, Artificial Intelligence

Next Step Systems - National IT Recruiting Firm

. Define the long-term architecture for AI systems, infrastructure, and developer platform .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeRemote • California • United StatesLead💰 $180,000 - $250,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in defining and executing long-term architecture for AI systems and distributed systems, while building and leading high-performing engineering teams across diverse locations. Strong ability to make pragmatic technical decisions and align teams on engineering priorities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

System ArchitectureArtificial Intelligence (AI) ExperienceDistributed ArchitectureHigh-Performing Engineering TeamsTechnical Trade-Offs

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

System ArchitectureLarge-Scale SystemsDistributed SystemsTechnical Decision-MakingEngineering Standards

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationTeam AlignmentJudgment on Technical Trade-OffsComfort in Ambiguous Environments

Industry Keywords

AI SystemsEngineering CultureDevelopment PracticesTechnical StandardsCross-Team Collaboration

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Distributed Systems

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define the long-term architecture for AI systems, infrastructure, and developer platform
Evaluate trade-offs between speed of iteration and long-term system design
Ensure systems are designed for scalability, reliability, and long-term evolution
Guide decisions across model integration, data pipelines, distributed systems, and product architecture
Translate product direction into clear technical execution with engineers
Structure engineering workstreams and align teams on priorities
Maintain high engineering standards while focusing on shipping
Establish engineering culture, development practices, and technical standards
Build and scale an engineering team across China and the US
Identify technical leaders and build a high-quality engineering organization
Define hiring standards and interview processes
Collaborate with product, research, and leadership teams
Coordinate technical workstreams across teams and locations
Resolve cross-team technical and execution challenges

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong technical foundation in system architecture, large-scale systems, and distributed architecture
Artificial Intelligence (AI) experience required
Ability to reason clearly about complex systems and make pragmatic technical decisions
Experience building or leading high-performing engineering teams
Strong judgment on technical trade-offs and engineering priorities
Comfortable operating in early-stage environments with high ambiguity
Clear communication and ability to align teams
Must be willing to take a 60 minute coding assessment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Savings Plan Options
PTO