Chief Technology Officer

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

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:

technical and scientific background in high-volume materials processing, bulk solids handling, and advanced milling circuits; and

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  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.

• 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…