Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – Deep Tech R&D

📍 Switzerland (Valais) — Relocation from France planned for Fall 2026

About the Company

INAUTALENT is partnering with a pioneering deep tech R&D company currently based in the French Alps, operating at the cutting edge of applied fundamental physics.

Working at the intersection of relativity and quantum mechanics, the company is developing breakthrough technologies with the potential to redefine energy production and propulsion systems.

In collaboration with leading international academic institutions, the organization is driven by a bold ambition:
👉 transform fundamental scientific discoveries into real-world, high-impact technologies addressing global environmental challenges.

📍 The company will relocate to Valais (Switzerland). Depending on your start date, you may initially be based in France.

The Opportunity

This is not a traditional CTO role.

We are looking for a technical leader and organizational builder who can bring structure, speed, and execution to a highly ambitious scientific environment.

You will take a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers and scale it into a world-class R&D organization, capable of turning bold theoretical concepts into working prototypes.

You will work directly with leadership to shape the company’s trajectory—bridging scientific vision and operational execution.

Your Mission

• Lead and scale a multidisciplinary team (engineers, physicists, hybrid profiles)
• Build the structure, processes, and governance of a high-performing R&D organization
• Define and execute the technology and product roadmap
• Drive projects from early-stage research to prototype (TRL 0–5)
• Establish KPIs, tools, and operating frameworks to improve execution
• Accelerate delivery while maintaining scientific rigor
• Develop and mentor future technical leaders
• Foster a culture of ownership, excellence, and accountability
• Partner closely with founders and leadership to align vision and execution

Requirements

What You Bring

Technical Background

• Strong engineering foundation (exposure to applied physics is a strong plus)
• Engineering-driven mindset (vs. purely theoretical profile)
• Experience in hardware and advanced technology development, ideally in areas such as:
• RF systems (Radio Frequency)
• Plasma physics
• High-voltage systems
• Quantum vacuum / field theory
• Electromechanical systems
• Proven ability to operate in complex, cutting-edge scientific environments
• Strong expertise in applied technology and product development

Leadership & Execution

• Proven experience in senior technical leadership roles (CTO, Head of Engineering, Director…)
• Track record of managing and scaling technical teams (15+ people)
• Experience structuring R&D organizations (processes, roles, governance)
• Ability to build and evolve organizations in high-growth environments

You are known for your ability to:

• Bring structure and clarity to fast-moving, ambiguous environments
• Drive execution and delivery at pace
• Coach and elevate experienced engineers and technical contributors
• Challenge scientific assumptions with a pragmatic, inventive mindset
• Translate bold ideas into clear, actionable roadmaps

Leadership Style

• Strong, credible leadership capable of engaging highly technical teams
• Ability to introduce structure without limiting innovation
• Highly execution-focused and results-driven
• High standards for quality, rigor, and performance
• Comfortable navigating uncertainty while providing direction
• Excellent communication with senior scientific stakeholders
• Collaborative mindset, especially with founders and executive leadership

👉 You are a pragmatic visionary: able to turn complex, ambitious ideas into tangible outcomes.

Benefits

Why This Role

Work on first-principles scientific challenges with real-world impact

Build and shape a deep tech organization from the ground up

Operate at the frontier of physics and engineering

Contribute to technologies that could redefine energy and propulsion