Chief Technical Officer (Aerospace & Uncrewed Systems)
About FireSwarm Solutions Inc
FireSwarm Solutions Inc (FireSwarm) is developing advanced aerial systems focused on autonomous, ultra heavy-lift drone operations for wildfire suppression and related emergency response and logistics applications. Our work spans embedded systems, robotics, autonomy, and cloud-enabled coordination, operating in safety-critical, defense-adjacent environments where reliability, security, and execution matter.
We are entering a growth phase and are seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to provide deep technical leadership across hardware, software, and systems architecture, while enabling faster, more sustainable execution across the organization.
At FireSwarm, we are committed to building and sustaining a culture where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to contribute their fullest potential. We value equitable opportunities, inclusive practices, and respectful engagement. Our clients and partners span the globe, reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve. We recognize that our approach is an ongoing journey and continue to learn, listen, and act with intention as we develop transformative technologies that make a meaningful impact.
Who Is the Right Applicant
You are a builder and leader who thrives at the intersection of long-term technical vision and near-term execution. You are comfortable being both a player and a coach, remaining hands-on when needed while mentoring and scaling an engineering organization. This is a deliberately hybrid role combining CTO and VP Engineering responsibilities, suited to someone who knows how to build technology from the ground up and guide it forward. You can see technology to the horizon while staying focused on what must be delivered today, operate confidently in ambiguity, and have an appetite for calculated risk in safety-critical environments. You are comfortable working within a company at its earliest stages of growth and bring at least five years of CTO-level experience spanning both hardware and software systems, with the ability to bridge executives, engineers, customers, and investors to turn vision into field-ready reality.
Role Overview
The CTO will be responsible for the technical vision, architecture, and execution of FireSwarm’s drone platform and supporting systems. This role is hands-on and pragmatic: defining technical direction, guiding implementation, and building a strong engineering culture that can scale.
FireSwarm is looking for a builder, not just an architect. Someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and getting hands-on when required. This role will require strong communication skills and someone who can bridge executives, engineers, customers, and investors.
The CTO will work in close partnership with Product, Cybersecurity, and Operations to ensure that FireSwarm delivers robust, secure, and field-ready systems aligned with customer, regulatory, and operational realities.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership & Architecture
- Own the end-to-end technical architecture spanning:
- On-board avionics and embedded systems
- Autonomy, control, and mission software
- Ground control and operator tooling
- Cloud and data systems (where applicable)
- Make informed trade-offs between performance, safety, maintainability, and speed
- Establish and evolve technical standards, patterns, and documentation
- Engineering Execution
- Lead and mentor hardware and software engineering teams
- Drive development practices appropriate for hardware-software co-development
- Ensure predictable delivery through clear technical planning, sequencing, and risk management
- Participate directly in design and implementation where needed, especially in early stages
- Systems Reliability, Safety, and Quality
- Ensure systems are designed for mission-critical reliability and operational resilience
- Support safety, quality, and certification-adjacent efforts in regulated / defense-oriented environments
- Collaborate closely on cybersecurity and secure-by-design principles across the stack
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Product leadership to translate product strategy into executable roadmaps
- Support customer engagements, technical due diligence, and partner discussions as needed
- Assist the executive team with technical decision-making, hiring, and scaling strategy
- Other related leadership, technical and strategic responsibilities as required to support the company’s growth and operations
Must-Have Requirements
- Strong background in drone technology, spanning both hardware and software
- Hands-on experience with on-board / embedded software systems (real-time, safety-critical, or robotics-adjacent)
- Comfort and demonstrated experience working within agile product development environments, including iterative delivery under uncertainty
- Ability to lead technical architecture while remaining practically involved in execution
- Must live in Canada in either Ottawa region or Vancouver
- Currently holds or is able to hold a NATO Secret Clearance
Nice-to-Have Experience
- Experience with drone swarming or multi-vehicle coordination
- Familiarity with ArduPilot and/or Veronte (or comparable flight-control ecosystems)
- Experience designing or building cloud-based systems that integrate with edge or embedded platforms
- Background in autonomy, robotics, or advanced control systems
- Exposure to defense, aerospace, or safety-critical industries
- Experience scaling engineering teams from early-stage to growth-stage organizations
Compensation
Expected salary range for this role is CAD $140,000 to $170,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, and overall fit for the role. Compensation may also include stock options and other benefits, which will be discussed during the interview process. Final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and the needs of the business.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume along with a brief cover letter to [email protected] outlining your experience leading technical teams and complex systems, your approach to scaling technology from prototype to real-world deployment, along with why the mission of FireSwarm Solutions resonates with you. Selected candidates will be invited to an initial conversation followed by a structured interview process with our leadership team. All applications will be treated confidentially, and FireSwarm Solutions is an equal opportunity employer that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
