Job Description

About Circular Library Network

Circular Library Network (CLN) is scaling from early pilots to 180+ live
installations across multiple markets. Our technology stack spans hardware,
firmware, and software, currently led by specialist co-founders and
contractors. To ensure long-term scalability, we need a strategic CTO who acts
as a technology integrator - not another developer, but a senior leader who
unifies roadmaps, manages technical dependencies, and ensures integration
between product streams. This role also ensures effective collaboration with
external platform and infrastructure partners critical to Circular Library’s
product ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

* Technology Integration: Coordinate hardware (R&D, certification), firmware (embedded systems), and software (myTurn and other external platform integrations, front-end, data analytics) into a single cohesive roadmap, working closely with key technology partners.
* Strategic Leadership: Translate business objectives into technical priorities; align co-founders and contractors around milestones for scale-up.
* Governance & Quality: Oversee certifications (CE, FCC, UKCA), data protection (GDPR/CCPA), accessibility considerations (WCAG), and system reliability to meet institutional client expectations.
* Team Management: Provide structured leadership for hardware engineers, designers, and developers - converting contractors into an integrated team.
* Scalability: Build processes for modular deployment, local manufacturing partnerships, and future integrations (analytics dashboards, sustainability reporting).
* Security & Privacy: Own system-level security across hardware, firmware, and software, including access control, device security, data protection, and partner integrations.

Placement in Org Chart:

* Reports directly to the CEO.
* Works alongside technical co-founders (Head of R&D, Development Architect).
* Leads all technical contractors and permanent hires (hardware engineer, cabinet designer, frontend dev as needed).

Role Overview:

An experienced technology leader who brings together hardware, software, and
firmware development under one cohesive, collaborative technical vision. This
person must couple deep technical insight with strong managerial skills -
building high-performing teams, setting strategic direction, ensuring delivery
quality, and aligning with CLN’s mission of community-driven, sustainable
solutions.

Key Qualifications

* Cross-Domain Technical Background
* Proven leadership in managing hardware development - from prototypes to small-batch production (e.g., CLN systems: Mini, Standard, Pro).
* Hands-on experience with embedded systems, firmware, and integration between physical devices and cloud-based platforms.
* Strong software expertise in SaaS platforms for inventory, analytics, and logistics across distributed deployments.
* Working knowledge of security and privacy best practices for connected devices and cloud-based systems.
* Leadership & Organizational Management
* Demonstrably led multidisciplinary teams (hardware engineers, firmware developers, app devs, front-end teams).
* Skilled in mentoring, hiring, and developing talent, with clarity on delegation and empowerment.
* Strategic Vision & Execution
* Capable of defining a cohesive technology roadmap that balances innovation (e.g., locker integrations, analytics, sustainability metrics) with operational stability.
* Experience with scalable systems and prioritizing features like multi-location logistics, analytics, and white-labeling with GDPR/CCPA, accessibility, and security compliance.
* Experience operating within multi-party technology ecosystems, balancing internal priorities with external dependencies.
* Collaborative & Mission-Aligned
* Comfortable co-leading with co-founders, ensuring complementary, not competing, leadership.
* Passionate about sustainability, circular economy, and community impact, aligned with CLN’s values.
* Communication & Stakeholder Management
* Excellent communicator, able to liaise across departments and with external partners (e.g., production partners, community organizations, funders).

Nice-to-Haves:

* Experience launching modular hardware/software ecosystems.
* Familiarity with lifecycle assessments, sustainability reporting, and environmental impact tools - reflecting CLN’s emphasis on measurable impact.

Why Join CLN?

* Lead technology at the intersection of hardware, software, and social impact
* Shape systems that enable real-world circular infrastructure
* Work with a mission-driven team scaling across markets
* High autonomy, long-term strategic influence, and meaningful impact
* Equity iopportunity based on wage arrangement