Chief Technology Officer/Vice President of Engineering
San Francisco, United States
- Experience
- 10–30 years
- Employment
- Full-time
- Work mode
- Onsite
- Salary
- Not disclosed
- Deadline
- Apply by 1 Nov 2026
- Posted
- 2025-08-12
Required skills
| Skill | Experience | Level |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC | 5+ years | Intermediate |
About the role
About the Company
Icebox Energy is building critical cooling infrastructure for the next generation of data
centers—meeting the demands of AI and high-density compute without relying on water or
synthetic refrigerants. Our platform is engineered from the outside in, using carbon dioxide as a
natural working fluid to solve thermal bottlenecks with cleaner, more scalable technology.
While our initial focus is data centers, our core technology has broader applications across
energy, industrial cooling, and heat reuse—wherever performance, efficiency, and sustainability
need to align.
We strive for success—not just in what we build, but in how we build it. We value integrity,
initiative, and thoughtful innovation.
About the Role
As VP of Engineering/CTO, you’ll lead the development and execution of Icebox’s technical
roadmap—driving platform development, scaling core systems, and aligning engineering
priorities with company strategy. You’ll oversee all technical functions, foster a high-performing
engineering culture, and ensure we build robust, scalable products that support near-term
milestones and long-term growth.
This is a unique opportunity to help build a high-performing technical team, solve real
engineering challenges, and shape the direction of a company tackling critical infrastructure
problems. We offer competitive compensation, flexible benefits, and a collaborative environment
where initiative, clarity, and impact are valued—and where there’s real room to grow.
Objectives
● Collaborate closely with the founding team to understand engineering needs and drive
successful product development
● Provide strong leadership and inspiration to the engineering team, fostering a culture of
collaboration and continuous learning
● Identify and evaluate opportunities for innovation, assessing risk, strategic advantages,
and business impact
● Oversee the development and implementation of scalable, high-quality engineering
solutions
Responsibilities
● Develop and execute a comprehensive technology strategy tailored to Icebox’s business
objectives, scalability, and operational efficiency
● Create and manage the technology budget, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring
cost-effective solutions
● Oversee engineering efforts, ensuring alignment with business requirements, quality
standards, and industry best practices
● Identify and mitigate technology-related risks, ensuring data privacy and regulations
compliance
● Manage relationships with vendors and partners, evaluating and selecting the most
suitable solutions and services
● Maintain awareness of the latest industry advancements to provide strategic insights and
recommendations for maintaining our technological edge
Qualifications
● Mechanical Engineering degree; advanced degree with a focus in thermal systems is a
plus
● 10+ years of experience as a senior technology or engineering leader
● Demonstrated expertise in the design, development, and delivery of complex machinery
and mechanical systems
● Successful new product introduction (NPI) track record, including product launch and
lifespan, design for manufacturability, and component sourcing
● Deep industry network and understanding of technology trends, best practices, and the
North American market's technology landscape
● Robust experience building, developing, and leading high-performing teams of technical
experts from diverse backgrounds
● Proven history of successfully leading large-scale technology projects, delivering results
on time, within budget, and with managed risk
● Startup or startup-like experience; compatibility with startup culture and drive to excel
Preferred Skills
● In-depth knowledge of data center operations, industry trends, and technology
● Knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks relevant to the North American
HVAC industry, heat pumps, and refrigerants
● Technical expertise spanning the theory and practice of heat pump operation and
design, e.g. components and overall systems, refrigerants, educators/energy recovery,
practical challenges, and modeling/predictive applications
● Experience driving transformation initiatives and implementing data-driven decision-
making frameworks to achieve key results in strategy and design
● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and
operate tactically
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively
with cross-functional teams and senior executives