TDRI Looking for Technical Lead / CTO at New Zealand Full Time

About TDRI

TDRI is a NZ startup on a mission to extend pavement life and reduce roading costs globally. Over a trillion dollars is being piled into road construction, maintenance and improvements globally, and we well placed to make an impact in optimising these massive budgets.

We have breakthrough technology that rapidly and seamlessly detects subsurface moisture in road pavements for road authorities, contractors and design consultancies. This comes in the form of a novel, patented trailer system that has unparalleled measurement efficiency and safety compared to alternatives.

Increased moisture in road pavements leads to reduced bearing and increased deformation under traffic loading, and has traditionally been inefficient and expensive to measure. With climate change and increased traffic levels, road conditions are only getting worse.

Our solution enables our clients to identify moisture issues at scale, enhance their construction and maintenance activities, and plan cost optimal forward works programs. It also provides clients with the opportunity to transition into preventative maintenance measures that have traditionally been hard to identify and execute.

Our core technology is a geophysical TDR sensing system, which is integrated with supporting systems such as GPS, wireless internet connectivity, electrical and mechanical components, embedded software, mathematical models and algorithms, and cloud based software applications for visualisation and analysis of data. Our opportunities present complex and exciting challenges to further extend the capabilities of this integrated solution, and build on it with further systems, intelligence and applications.

We are backed by WNT Ventures, a leading early stage venture fund, and have already served key road authorities and contractors in New Zealand, including: Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Fulton Hogan, Higgins, Fletcher Accionia, CPB HEB and Corde.

We have a credible and proven executive team that has experience leading the commercialisation and growth of several technology companies globally, along with technical expertise in surveying, civil engineering and roading infrastructure projects.

Poised for significant growth in NZ and globally, we are seeking keen talent to join our ranks.

The position

We’re looking for a Technical Lead / CTO to own the development of our technology, build and lead our team of technical specialists, and manage external suppliers and stakeholders.

You will take the lead in the full lifecycle of development of TDRI’s technology and continue to make ground breaking technological advancements. This includes ownership of research, design, development and manufacturing, testing and servicing activities across all aspects of the product lifecycle, from concept to commercial outcomes.

You will also build and lead a team of talented in-house specialists keen to develop leading edge technology to solve a big global problem.

Responsibilities

• Develop technical aspects of the company’s strategy to ensure alignment with its business goals.
• Identify and prioritise opportunities to solve customer needs, and manage external suppliers and stakeholders for research and product development purposes.
• Develop solutions for complex sensing systems (and the integrated solution) then transition them into high performing versions for commercial scale.
• Support the development of robust and achievable product specifications, actively bringing your experience and perspectives to the table.
• Author documents such as design release packages, engineering requirements, industry accreditation, and test plans for the commercialisation of designs.
• Build in-house engineering and technical capabilities, including establishing a unit construction and service / maintenance centre.
• Hire, coach and mentor our technical team, and educate the wider TDRI team and stakeholders about our technology.
• Continuously improve our systems and processes as we scale.

About you

• University qualified in a relevant field – Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Science, etc.
• Further masters or PHD studies to broaden knowledge and capabilities is a plus.
• Geophysical sensing experience and capability is a plus.
• Combination of hardware and software experience is a plus.
• Previously held a position leading teams in developing technology with similar technology characteristics.
• Ability to integrate domain expertise with other key disciplines to effectively and holistically develop our technology.
• Up to date with relevant technological trends and best practices.
• Accustomed to being hands on and in the trenches when the time calls for it.
• Exposure to strategic planning, and the incorporation of technical aspects into that process.
• Sound commercial acumen (e.g. project management, cost / benefit analysis, budget and contract management).
• Have the passion and potential to grow into an executive leadership position, if not already (e.g. Chief Technology Officer / VP of Engineering).
• Role will be remote initially, then likely hybrid. You’ll ideally located in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton or Christchurch.

Personal traits we rate

• You exercise a growth mindset, and are determined to achieve collective goals, despite setbacks.
• You are curious, and keen to build knowledge and learn from others.
• You are analytical, and have the ability to unearth insights.
• You are engaging, and have a strong ability to persuade and collaborate with others.
• You have integrity, and always do what is right for people, stakeholders and TDRI.

What TDRI can offer

• Work with entrepreneurs hungry to build world leading technology that makes significant global impact.
• Rapid learning and development opportunities with a start-up entering rapid growth phase.
• Flexible working arrangements – find an optimal balance to stay healthy and productive.
• Opportunities for travel and global experiences.
• Competitive remuneration, including significant ESOP.

If you feel you meet most, but not all criteria above, we still encourage you to apply.

Please apply with an attached CV and one-page cover letter outlining why you are a good fit for TDRI and the role. If you can only add one document, please append the cover letter to the CV document.