Chief Technology Officer - PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics

A growth-stage Israeli deep-tech company is building a novel computing platform for solving large-scale, complex optimization problems faster and more efficiently than existing approaches. The company works with strategic partners in finance, logistics, manufacturing, and aerospace, and is entering an accelerated commercialization phase backed by a strong financial partner.

We are looking for a CTO to join the leadership team and define the company's technical and scientific direction — someone equally comfortable in deep theoretical work and fast, pragmatic startup decision-making.

Responsibilities:

• Own the company's long-term technology and IP strategy
• Develop new mathematical and algorithmic approaches at the core of the product, working with nonlinear dynamical systems and related optimization frameworks
• Provide scientific and technical leadership across R&D
• Represent the company's technology to investors, partners, and enterprise customers
• Identify new research directions and drive IP/publications where relevant
• Bridge scientific breakthroughs with a scalable, sellable product

Requirements:

• PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with a dissertation or major research focus on nonlinear dynamics, differential equations, or coupled oscillator/wave-based systems
• Hands-on experience modeling and analyzing nonlinear dynamical systems using ordinary or partial differential equations (ODEs/PDEs) — for example, coupled oscillator networks, wave-based systems, or similar physical models
• Strong, verifiable research track record (publications in top venues)
• Real hands-on startup experience — not academia alone
• Track record of generating original scientific/algorithmic ideas and turning them into working technology, not just managing an existing roadmap
• Strong communication skills, able to translate deep technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders

Nice to have:

• Experience with nonlinear dynamics in optical or wave-based physical systems
• Background in quantum computing, quantum-inspired optimization, or optics/photonics-based computing
• Experience scaling a company through a funding round, merger, or acquisition
• Experience with enterprise customers in finance, logistics, aerospace, or manufacturing
• Background in high-performance computing (HPC) or large-scale physical simulation

What we offer:

• High-impact leadership role shaping genuinely novel technology
• Competitive package including significant equity
• Work alongside a world-class founding and research team
• Backing and resources of a well-capitalized parent organization

This search is being run by an external recruiting partner. Full company details will be shared with relevant candidates during an initial conversation.