Chief Technology Officer (CTO) — AI EdTech Start-up

Company Overview

We’re reimagining how humans learn, connect, and grow emotionally through the power of intelligent digital companions.

Our mission is to make learning personal, empathetic, and emotionallyintelligent through tools that bridge psychology, education, and responsible AI design.

We’re collaborating with educators and innovators to reimagine how emotional intelligence and learning can thrive together.

🌱 Emerging EdTech | Emotional AI | Digital Well-Being

📍 San Francisco, California | Early Stage Startup

Role Description

We’re seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to join as a founding technical leader.

You’ll own all technical aspects of website application—from product architecture to deployment—building the foundation of our web and mobile platforms and leading AI companion development.

This is a hybrid role (on-site in SF or remote), ideal for a hands-on builder who can scale into a leadership position as we grow.

Responsibilities

Design and develop the web app and mobile platform (MVP) from the ground up.
Architect and implement LLM-driven conversational systems for emotionally intelligent AI companions.
Manage the full technology stack: frontend, backend, and cloud infrastructure.
Lead software development, code reviews, and product iteration cycles.
Oversee data privacy, security, and system scalability.
Collaborate closely with the CEO and psychology/education partners to integrate behaviorally informed UX.
Recruit and mentor early engineering hires as we scale.
Define and execute the long-term technical roadmap aligned with our product vision and mission.

Qualifications

5+ years of experience in software engineering, with at least 2+ years in technical leadership or CTO/founding engineer roles.
Proficiency in full-stack web development (React, Node.js, Python, or similar).
Experience with LLMs (OpenAI API, fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation) or conversational AI systems.
Strong understanding of cloud architecture (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and data privacy best practices.
Experience building consumer-facing products (preferably in EdTech, wellness, or social platforms).
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical ideas for non-technical audiences.
Passion for mental health, emotional intelligence, and ethical AI.
BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Ideal Candidate

You’re a builder first—hands-on, self-driven, and energized by ambiguity.
You have 2+ years of experience in full-stack development, working confidently with React.js, Node.js, HTML5, CSS3, and TypeScript.
You can prototype quickly and love transforming 0→1 concepts into scalable live products.
You have practical experience with LLMs (OpenAI API, LangChain, or similar), and you understand how to build emotionally intelligent conversational systems.
You’re fluent in AI/ML fundamentals, product design thinking, and cloud architecture (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
You thrive in lean startup environments with limited resources and high impact.
You’re aligned with our mission to make technology more empathetic, safe, and human-centered.
You communicate clearly, value ethical AI design, and balance innovation with privacy-first principles.
You’re open to founder-level equity discussions and committed to growing with company for the long term.

Values Alignment

Empathy First: You design and build technology that listens, understands, and uplifts human emotion.
Privacy by Design: You treat data as sacred—protecting user trust as a foundational principle, not a feature.
Emotional Intelligence: You believe technology should foster mindfulness, curiosity, and self-awareness.
Integrity & Transparency: You value clear communication and ethical AI development in every decision.
Collaboration Over Ego: You thrive in diverse, mission-driven teams where every voice matters.
Purpose-Driven Innovation: You’re motivated by impact—creating tools that genuinely improve lives, not just engagement metrics.
Resilience & Curiosity: You adapt quickly, learn continuously, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

💡 Location: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid / Remote)

🌱 Industries: EdTech · AI · Mental Health Tech · Digital Wellness

🌐 Website: https://sites.google.com/ucdavis.edu/landing/home

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