Float
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Location:
Full-time On-Site (CA) Type:
Full-Time | Founding Team Opportunity
Float is an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced
airship systems
for large-scale cargo applications. We are focused on solving hard aerospace problems and translating ambitious concepts into real, tested hardware. Our team is small, execution-driven, and building a new airship platform from first principles.
The Role
As
Chief Technology Officer
, you will own Floats technical vision and execution end-to-end. You will be responsible for defining system architecture, setting engineering priorities, and leading the development of Floats airship platform from early concepts through prototyping, testing, and production-intent designs.
This is a
hands-on leadership role
for a deeply technical builder. You will work directly with early hardware, guide critical design tradeoffs, and build a high-caliber engineering team capable of executing in a complex, safety-critical aerospace environment.
Responsibilities
Own and define the
overall technical architecture
of Floats airship platform Lead the
design, prototyping, and validation
of flight-critical systems Drive system-level trade studies across structures, propulsion, energy, controls, and manufacturing Ensure designs balance
performance, safety, manufacturability, and scalability Guide early prototype development, testing, and iteration with hands-on technical involvement Build, mentor, and lead a
world-class engineering team Establish engineering standards, documentation, and review processes appropriate for an early-stage aerospace program Collaborate closely with company leadership on
technical roadmap and execution strategy Interface selectively with
partners, vendors, and regulatory stakeholders
as needed
(Note: External-facing responsibilities are focused on technical credibility and execution, not sales or marketing.)
Qualifications
MS or PHD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering. Deep experience in
aerospace, systems engineering, or complex hardware platforms Proven track record taking hardware systems from
concept through prototype and test Strong system-level thinking and engineering judgment across multiple disciplines Experience leading and scaling small, high-ownership engineering teams Comfortable operating in ambiguity and making decisions with incomplete data Bias toward execution, validation, and building real hardware
Nice to Have Experience with
experimental, unconventional, or large-scale aerospace platforms Background in
energy, propulsion, avionics, or safety-critical systems Familiarity with
manufacturing-scale hardware development Exposure to
certification-aware or regulated design environments Prior experience at an aerospace startup, skunkworks program, or founding team
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to shape the core engineering DNA of a company redefining how cargo moves across the planet. Youll take on meaningful responsibility early, build groundbreaking vehicles, and grow alongside a world-class team pioneering the future of sustainable air mobility.
Full-time On-Site (CA) Type:
Full-Time | Founding Team Opportunity
Float is an early-stage aerospace company developing advanced
airship systems
for large-scale cargo applications. We are focused on solving hard aerospace problems and translating ambitious concepts into real, tested hardware. Our team is small, execution-driven, and building a new airship platform from first principles.
The Role
As
Chief Technology Officer
, you will own Floats technical vision and execution end-to-end. You will be responsible for defining system architecture, setting engineering priorities, and leading the development of Floats airship platform from early concepts through prototyping, testing, and production-intent designs.
This is a
hands-on leadership role
for a deeply technical builder. You will work directly with early hardware, guide critical design tradeoffs, and build a high-caliber engineering team capable of executing in a complex, safety-critical aerospace environment.
Responsibilities
Own and define the
overall technical architecture
of Floats airship platform Lead the
design, prototyping, and validation
of flight-critical systems Drive system-level trade studies across structures, propulsion, energy, controls, and manufacturing Ensure designs balance
performance, safety, manufacturability, and scalability Guide early prototype development, testing, and iteration with hands-on technical involvement Build, mentor, and lead a
world-class engineering team Establish engineering standards, documentation, and review processes appropriate for an early-stage aerospace program Collaborate closely with company leadership on
technical roadmap and execution strategy Interface selectively with
partners, vendors, and regulatory stakeholders
as needed
(Note: External-facing responsibilities are focused on technical credibility and execution, not sales or marketing.)
Qualifications
MS or PHD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering. Deep experience in
aerospace, systems engineering, or complex hardware platforms Proven track record taking hardware systems from
concept through prototype and test Strong system-level thinking and engineering judgment across multiple disciplines Experience leading and scaling small, high-ownership engineering teams Comfortable operating in ambiguity and making decisions with incomplete data Bias toward execution, validation, and building real hardware
Nice to Have Experience with
experimental, unconventional, or large-scale aerospace platforms Background in
energy, propulsion, avionics, or safety-critical systems Familiarity with
manufacturing-scale hardware development Exposure to
certification-aware or regulated design environments Prior experience at an aerospace startup, skunkworks program, or founding team
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to shape the core engineering DNA of a company redefining how cargo moves across the planet. Youll take on meaningful responsibility early, build groundbreaking vehicles, and grow alongside a world-class team pioneering the future of sustainable air mobility.