About SEA.AI

Using artificial intelligence and machine vision, we provide crews on boats and ships with the most accurate digital understanding of a vessel ‘s near-field surface surroundings. We make marine mobility safer and more convenient, providing a better mobility experience at sea. 

We are a multi-national team based in Austria, France, Portugal and the US. We offer a fast and agile workplace for experts from a variety of disciplines. We share a common culture shaped by ambition, autonomy, openness, honesty, and respect. As a fast-growing team of ~60 colleagues, we are large enough to create impact. We are also small enough that each team member has an influence on the way we work. To grow our R&D-Team in Austria (Vienna or Linz), we look for a CTO (m/f/d).

Role overview

The CTO will oversee the end-to-end development of complex AI-based products — from concept to commercial deployment — ensuring delivery is aligned with strategic goals, timelines, and budgets. The role involves managing a diverse and skilled technical organization spread across multiple European hubs and covering a wide range of domains, including:

• AI-based image processing
• Machine learning & deep learning
• Visual language models (VLMs)
• Optics & night vision technologies
• Embedded software & hardware
• Maritime electronics & sensor integration
• Cloud, IoT, and edge computing
• UI/UX for real-time applications

The ideal candidate will combine strong leadership with deep technical insight and a proven ability to manage innovation in regulated or high-reliability environments.

Key responsibilities

•  Lead and scale a cross-functional engineering organization.
• Ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of the product roadmap.
• Define technical strategy and guide architecture decisions.
• Evaluate and prioritize innovation concepts based on feasibility and business value.
• Oversee technical due diligence and risk assessment in new developments.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, product, and operations teams.
• Drive the preparation and successful execution of public R&D and grant funding applications.
• Cultivate a strong, collaborative engineering culture with a focus on quality and impact.

Your profile and qualifications 

• Significant experience (7+ years) in senior technical leadership roles, preferably in fast-growing deep-tech or AI-focused companies.
• Strong background in AI/ML, computer vision, or robotics, ideally including deployment on edge or embedded systems.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across hardware, software, and data science.
• Familiarity with end-to-end product development lifecycles in complex, high-tech environments.
• Understanding of cloud/IoT architectures and real-time processing requirements.
• Experience with public innovation funding or grants (e.g., Horizon Europe, national programs) is an advantage.
• Background or interest in maritime or mobility sectors is a plus, but not required.
• Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills.
• Fluent in English.
• Beneficial but not mandatory : Experience in creating Innovation decision processes Software License Models, AI based Business Models.

What we offer 

• A key executive role in a mission-driven, innovation-focused company.
• The opportunity to shape cutting-edge technology with real-world impact.
• A collaborative, agile, and technically ambitious environment.
• Competitive compensation package and participation in long-term success.
• Flexibility in location and work setup within the EU.
• Minimum salary for this job is EUR 100.000,00 gross per year - according to your experience and education we are willing to pay more.

Ready for the Challenge?

We do look forward to receiving your complete application including earliest starting date. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome diversity. We encourage everyone to apply and will give everyone equal consideration. If you should have any questions, we are happy to answer them by email: [email protected] 

More info: www.sea.ai/careers