The Company is seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the transition from proven science to industrialized production, with a focus on standardizing the manufacturing platform and leading the development of in-house atmospheric return capabilities. The CTO will be responsible for the technical vision and execution across aerospace systems, software, automation, and manufacturing, as well as for building and scaling a multidisciplinary engineering organization. This leadership role requires a candidate with a strong STEM background, particularly in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, physics, robotics, or adjacent fields, and a proven track record of personally building and shipping complex hardware, particularly in the context of spacecraft. The ideal candidate will have a startup mindset, be comfortable making high-stakes decisions in a resource-constrained environment, and possess strong communication skills. The successful CTO at the company will be a key player in the strategic and technical decision-making processes, with a focus on engineering culture, technical standards, and fast-paced, agile development. While not mandatory, direct experience with atmospheric reentry, recovery, or thermal protection systems, as well as exposure to fluid handling or bio/material-handling systems in constrained environments, is considered a plus. The role is not suited for individuals with a background solely in large defense or aerospace incumbents without a clear record of hands-on, fast-paced, small team engineering. The CTO will be expected to make a significant impact within the first year, with a clear roadmap for success in place, and to be a true builder, rather than a caretaker, of the company's technical and engineering capabilities.