Chief Technology Officer

About KonteX Neuroscience

KonteX Neuroscience is a startup pioneering next-generation brain-machine interfaces. We're developing high-density neural acquisition and processing systems that integrate custom ASICs, sensor arrays, edge computing, and real-time AI — all built for researchers and future therapeutic applications.

As a small and fast-moving team, we're focused on building foundational technologies that will unlock breakthroughs in neuroscience and neuroprosthetics. We're looking for mission-aligned leaders ready to shape this vision from the ground up.

About the Role

We are seeking a
founding-level Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
to lead and build the technical core of KonteX. You'll need to bring
deep engineering expertise
, particularly in
ASIC development
,
high-density analog and digital circuit design
, and
sensor-to-AI systems
, while also embracing the scrappy, high-responsibility culture of an early-stage company.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in
custom ASIC development
, especially for sensing systems involving
analog frontends
,
digitizers
,
CMOS control
, and
digital processing
. Just as importantly, you've
taped out chips via shuttle runs
, know how to
optimize for cost and iteration
, and are comfortable steering technical programs within budget and schedule constraints.

You'll be responsible for building and leading an interdisciplinary engineering team, ensuring
on-time development
,
high-quality documentation
, and
clear validation strategies
from prototype through production.

This is a foundational role for a builder and leader who thrives in uncertainty, cares about impact, and wants to grow with a mission-driven team. We're looking for someone who is not only
technically brilliant
, but also
ready to trade upfront salary for long-term equity
and leadership in something meaningful.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the technical roadmap across ASICs, electronics, firmware, and edge-AI components.
• Lead
  hands-on architecture, prototyping, and validation
  of custom
  ASICs and mixed-signal SoCs
  :
• Low-noise analog amplifiers and ADCs for neural signals
• Digital logic for
  CMOS image sensor control and readout
• Edge processing and embedded AI pipelines
• Oversee
  cost-effective chip development
  , including shuttle tapeouts, IP reuse, and iteration planning.
• Build and manage the
  engineering team
  across EE, firmware, and systems; define processes and goals that align with startup speed and technical rigor.
• Ensure
  on-schedule execution
  of technical milestones across multiple workstreams.
• Oversee and enforce
  technical documentation standards
  , including design specs, version control, testing protocols, and traceability.
• Define and lead
  validation plans
  for internal testing, system-level performance, and pre-manufacturing readiness.
• Collaborate with neuroscience, product, and leadership teams to align development with user needs and strategic goals.
• Contribute directly to prototyping, bring-up, bench testing, and early hardware debug — especially in the early stages.

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in electronics and ASIC development, including:
• Analog frontend design (low-noise amplifiers, ADCs)
• CMOS-based sensor control and data acquisition
• Digital logic and edge data processing architectures
• Proven experience in
  ASIC shuttle tapeouts
  and cost-aware chip development strategies.
• Proficient in ASIC/SoC toolchains (Cadence, Synopsys, etc.), simulation, verification, and validation flows.
• Experience with
  hardware validation planning and execution
  , including test plan design, coverage analysis, and metrics.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and shipping complex systems.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills; able to set documentation expectations and lead by example.
• Strong startup mindset: resourcefulness, comfort with ambiguity, and focus on outcome over process.

Nice to Have

• Experience with electrophysiology systems or micro-volt scale signal acquisition.
• Experience deploying machine learning models at the edge.
• Familiarity with medical-grade systems or regulated development environments (e.g., ISO
• Prior experience in early-stage hardware startups or as a technical founder.

Why Join KonteX?

• Join at the ground floor of a company with ambitious goals in neuroscience and brain technology.
• Own the technical architecture of a category-defining system.
• Shape not just what we build, but how we build it — through tools, process, and team culture.
• Long-term equity upside in exchange for early, high-impact leadership.
• Work with a tight-knit, driven team that values clarity, accountability, and curiosity.