About the Company

Our client is a New Zealand-based marine technology startup revolutionising the inshore fishing industry through fully autonomous, AI-powered vessels. Founded by a seasoned boatbuilder and entrepreneur with a background in superyacht construction, aerospace, and military systems, the company brings deep systems thinking to one of the most traditional and underserved sectors of the economy.

While the global seafood industry faces declining margins, aging fleets, and labour shortages, this company is building a vertically integrated platform: unmanned vessels embedded with AI, computer vision, and precision harvesting capabilities. Their technology improves yields, reduces environmental impact, and dramatically enhances operational efficiency, while offering fishers and regulators real-time data and control.
  
The Role

This role is a foundational opportunity to architect the technological backbone of a company that is reimagining a global industry.

As the first hire and CTO, you will lead the end-to-end development of the company’s MK1 autonomous harvesting platform, from systems architecture to field deployment. You’ll have strategic ownership of all technical decisions and the mandate to build and mentor a multidisciplinary engineering team (that you will hire) across AI/ML, robotics, embedded systems, and software development.

Working closely with the CEO, you’ll shape product-market fit, and deliver world-first capabilities on the water. 
  
Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the company’s overall technology strategy in alignment with business goals.
  
  
• Build and lead a world-class technical team across robotics, software, mechatronics, and AI disciplines.
  
  
• Oversee development, integration, and testing of autonomous marine systems: propulsion, targeting, navigation, and catch handling.
  
  
• Lead prototyping and iterative field trials to validate real-world system performance.
  
  
• Collaborate with regulatory, research, and industry partners to ensure innovation aligns with compliance and opportunity.
  
  
• Own delivery timelines, technical roadmaps, and product strategy.
  
  
• Foster a culture of deep technical ownership and mission-driven innovation.
    

Ideal Experience & Qualifications

• Senior leadership in a startup or fast-scaling tech company (ideally at CTO or VP Eng level, but open to others with relevant experience).
  
  
• Expertise in autonomous systems, software product engineering, AI/ML, robotics, and/or computer vision.
  
  
• Strong track record in systems architecture and complex product development.
  
  
• Experience co-developing hardware and software solutions.
  
  
• Proven success in building and leading high-performing engineering teams.
  
  
• Background in marine technology or fisheries is a bonus, but not essential.
  
  
• Outstanding strategic, communication, and collaboration skills.
  
  

Why This Role is Unique

• Build from the Ground Up: Shape not only the product, but the tech culture and strategy from day one.
  
  
• Equity with Impact: This has real equity in a high-upside venture.
  
  
• Big Challenges, Big Change: Work on AI, robotics, and sustainability problems with massive real-world relevance.
  
  
• Founder-Led Vision: Collaborate directly with a founder who brings hands-on expertise, bold ambition, and deep industry insight.
  
  
• Funded to Execute: The company has secured strong initial funding
  
    

Why Nelson, New Zealand? This role is based in Nelson, the sunniest city in New Zealand and the heartbeat of its commercial seafood industry. For those seeking more than just a career move, Nelson offers:

• Marine Innovation Cluster: Be immersed in the region’s thriving maritime and aquaculture industries.
  
  
• Outdoor Paradise: World-class hiking, cycling, and water sports minutes from your doorstep.
  
  
• Balanced Lifestyle: A vibrant, family-friendly community with excellent schools, food, and culture.
  
  
• Unrivalled Quality of Life: Live where others come to holiday—without sacrificing ambition or impact.
  
  

Remote flexibility may become available later, especially for software-centric roles, but during the formative build phase, the team is primarily onsite in Nelson to support rapid development and testing.
  
This Is More Than a Job

It’s a rare, career-defining opportunity to lead the technical vision of a startup poised to reshape one of the world’s oldest industries. You’ll be working on the frontier of autonomy, sustainability, and marine engineering with real-world impact from day one.

Apply through Seek or reach out to dan@talent.army to apply or learn more.