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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

SkillExperienceLevel
HVAC5+ yearsIntermediate

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