Fractional CTO / Head of Platform

A medical technology startup is seeking a fractional CTO to own end-to-end technical leadership across hardware, firmware, software, and machine learning for a wearable ambulatory EEG platform targeting seizure detection and prediction. The company has completed early feasibility work on EEG acquisition circuitry and ML models and is now entering the product development phase. Engineering leads and external vendors currently report to the CEO, and the incoming CTO will take over that reporting structure.

The engagement begins fractionally at approximately 20 to 30 hours per week, with a 90-day trial period and defined outcomes. Conversion to a full-time CTO role is planned following successful seed round closing. An equity grant is included during the fractional phase, with credit toward the full-time grant on conversion. Bay Area presence is preferred, though remote candidates will be considered.

• Own system architecture across hardware, firmware, software, and ML, including AFE specifications, electrode requirements, and IEC 60601 and IEC 62304 compliance.
• Lead and manage multidisciplinary internal engineering teams and external vendors, including firmware partners and product design firms.
• Drive wearable product development covering industrial design, skin-interface design, wear testing, and design for manufacturability.
• Oversee ML execution, deployment, and validation in collaboration with the ML lead and Scientific Advisory Board.
• Establish design controls, design history file, verification and validation processes, and a roadmap toward QMS and contract manufacturing readiness.
• Serve as the technical representative during investor discussions and seed round due diligence.

• 10 or more years in medical device product development, including at least one device taken through design controls and V&V to 510(k) or De Novo clearance.
• Hands-on experience with body-worn or wearable electronics, including sensors, analog front ends, embedded systems, batteries, and skin-interface technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional hardware, firmware, and software teams including senior technical staff and external contractors.
• Sufficient ML expertise to lead an ML function, connect model performance to product requirements, and oversee deployment and validation.
• Startup leadership experience with the ability to operate hands-on, manage fractional and contracted teams, and build lean processes.
• Strong communication skills with credibility among investors and clinical partners; Bay Area presence or willingness to travel there regularly preferred.

A stealth-stage medical technology startup developing a wearable ambulatory EEG platform for seizure detection and prediction. The company has completed early feasibility work and is entering the product development phase, with a seed funding round underway and plans to scale the engineering organisation following close.