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Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – US Based | Zania

Location: San Francisco, California (In-office, close collaboration environment)
Industry: AI | Cybersecurity | Compliance Automation
Company Stage: VC-backed, early growth
Reports To: CEO

About Zania

Zania is reshaping the future of security and compliance through AI-powered automation. Our mission is to eliminate the friction, cost, and complexity of security audits by building intelligent AI agents that help companies navigate frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST with precision and speed.

Our clients include Fortune 500 enterprises, Top 10 audit firms, and global universities. Backed by top-tier investors and led by alumni from Microsoft, Reddit, Brex, Airbnb, Oracle, and Zoho, we’re scaling fast — and looking for a world-class CTO to shape and lead our technology vision.

The Opportunity

As our Chief Technology Officer, you’ll be a core member of the executive team, responsible for defining and leading Zania’s technology strategy, product architecture, and engineering organization. You will play a foundational role in scaling our platform, launching innovative AI-driven features, and ensuring our technology stack evolves with world-class reliability, security, and performance.

This is an in-office role based in San Francisco, designed for deep, cross-functional collaboration with leadership and engineering teams.

What You'll Do

  • Own and evolve the technical vision and long-term architecture for Zania’s AI-native security compliance platform.

  • Lead the engineering team across backend, frontend, infrastructure, and AI/ML, fostering a culture of innovation, velocity, and accountability.

  • Partner with the CEO and cross-functional leaders to define company strategy, product direction, and technical roadmaps.

  • Ensure platform scalability and reliability as we scale to thousands of customers and handle increasing data complexity.

  • Guide build-vs-buy decisions across infrastructure, tooling, and integrations.

  • Drive hiring, mentorship, and career development for a high-performing engineering team.

  • Stay ahead of the curve on AI/ML advancements, cybersecurity trends, and compliance automation opportunities.

  • Collaborate with sales and customer success teams to understand enterprise needs and influence roadmap priorities.

Ideal Background

  • 10+ years in software engineering, with 5+ in technical leadership roles (e.g., CTO, VP of Engineering, Head of Engineering).

  • Proven track record of building and scaling B2B SaaS products, ideally in cybersecurity, compliance, or developer tools.

  • Deep hands-on expertise in Python, FastAPI, React/TypeScript, and cloud infrastructure (preferably Azure).

  • Experience leading AI/ML-driven products or integrating LLMs into user-facing applications.

  • Strong understanding of security best practices, data privacy, and enterprise architecture.

  • Experience managing high-velocity engineering teams and product iteration in startup environments.

  • Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to translate vision into execution.

  • Comfortable in fast-paced, in-office environments that demand urgency, precision, and ownership.

Bonus Points For

  • Previous experience at a high-growth startup or experience scaling from Series A to C.

  • Domain expertise in SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST, HIPAA, or similar frameworks.

  • Contributions to open-source projects or developer tooling ecosystems.

  • Public speaking, technical writing, or thought leadership in AI or security.

What We Offer

  • Executive-level compensation with a meaningful equity package.

  • Opportunity to build an enduring company from the ground up.

  • In-office role based in San Francisco for close collaboration with our founding team.

  • Direct access to top-tier investors, advisors, and enterprise clients.

  • A mission-driven culture grounded in trust, excellence, and impact.

How to Apply

If you’re a visionary technologist ready to lead the next generation of AI-powered security compliance, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply directly or reach out to careers@zania.ai with your resume and a brief note on why you’d be a great fit.

Average salary estimate

$200000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$150000K
$250000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Chief Technology Officer, Zania

Join Zania as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), where you'll be at the forefront of transforming security and compliance through innovative AI-powered solutions. Located in the vibrant city of San Francisco, our office is designed for true collaboration among visionary minds in the AI, cybersecurity, and compliance automation sectors. As a key player in a VC-backed, early growth company, you will define and lead the technology strategy, shaping not just our products but the very future of how businesses conduct security audits efficiently and effectively. You'll have the opportunity to develop AI-driven features, create robust product architectures, and ensure our tech stack meets the highest standards of reliability and security as we scale. Your leadership will empower our talented engineering team, speed up our product iterations, and foster a culture of innovation. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to make a significant impact on the industry while partnering closely with the CEO and other leaders to steer our strategic direction. If you're passionate about cutting-edge technology and excited about working in a fast-paced, in-office environment, Zania wants to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Chief Technology Officer Role at Zania
What are the primary responsibilities of the Chief Technology Officer at Zania?

As the Chief Technology Officer at Zania, you will be responsible for defining the technology strategy, overseeing product architecture, and leading a high-performing engineering team. Your role includes ensuring platform scalability and reliability while collaborating closely with the CEO and other cross-functional leaders to drive the company's vision and technical roadmaps.

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What qualifications are required for the CTO position at Zania?

To qualify for the CTO position at Zania, candidates should have over 10 years of experience in software engineering, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership role. Ideal candidates will possess expertise in building and scaling B2B SaaS products, especially in the cybersecurity and compliance domains, along with hands-on skills in Python, FastAPI, React/TypeScript, and cloud technologies.

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What experience does Zania value for its Chief Technology Officer role?

Zania values candidates who have a proven track record in high-velocity settings, specifically those who have successfully scaled products from Series A to C, or have strong domain expertise in frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, or NIST. Experience with AI/ML-driven products and managing engineering teams in startup environments is also highly desirable.

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How does Zania support its Chief Technology Officer in career development?

At Zania, the Chief Technology Officer will lead and mentor a high-performing engineering team, promoting professional growth, collaboration, and innovation. The supportive environment emphasizes career development through hands-on leadership, access to top-tier investors, and engagement with industry leaders, ensuring that the CTO has ample opportunity to grow alongside the company.

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What makes the Chief Technology Officer position at Zania unique?

The Chief Technology Officer position at Zania is unique due to its central role in navigating the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and compliance automation. The CTO will have direct access to founding team members, investors, and enterprise clients, which fosters a collaborative spirit and an environment ripe for innovative thinking and impactful leadership.

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Common Interview Questions for Chief Technology Officer
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the Chief Technology Officer in a cybersecurity startup?

Addressing the challenges of rapidly evolving security threats and maintaining compliance while innovating can be crucial. It's important to impart your strategies for staying ahead of the curve, such as continuous learning, engaging with industry thought leaders, and leveraging new technologies like AI.

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How would you approach leading a diverse engineering team as CTO?

Leading a diverse engineering team requires understanding each member’s unique strengths and fostering an inclusive culture. Highlight your approach to communication, collaboration, and mentorship to empower team members, drive innovation, and enhance productivity.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe your experience with AI/ML in product development for security compliance.

Discuss specific projects where you've integrated AI or machine learning into products, detailing the outcomes and value added. Show how this experience will be beneficial in advancing Zania's products and aligning with its mission in AI-driven compliance.

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What are your strategies for ensuring platform scalability?

Provide insights into your experience with designing scalable architectures and handling increasing data complexity. Mention tools and methodologies that ensure reliability, security, and performance in a growing tech environment.

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How do you prioritize product roadmaps in a fast-paced startup?

Share your method for assessing market needs, customer feedback, and technological advancements to prioritize the roadmap effectively. Illustrate with past examples where your decisions have led to successful product iterations.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What aspects of security compliance do you think are most vital for businesses today?

Discuss the increasing importance of data privacy, risk management, and regulatory compliance in cybersecurity. Share how these elements influence your approach as a CTO and your vision for Zania's compliance platform.

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How do you think your leadership style aligns with Zania's company culture?

Emphasize your alignment with Zania's mission-driven culture and values, such as trust and excellence. Discuss your approaches to leadership that foster collaboration, innovation, and accountability, which are essential for the role.

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What innovative technologies do you believe will shape the future of compliance automation?

Speak about emerging trends in AI, automation, and security technologies that you believe will revolutionize the compliance landscape. Show your enthusiasm for staying ahead of tech trends and your willingness to innovate at Zania.

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How do you approach building relationships with cross-functional teams?

Illustrate your approach to collaboration with various departments like sales, marketing, and engineering. Highlight how effective communication and mutual understanding can lead to successful product outcomes and enhance team dynamics.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What motivates you to pursue a Chief Technology Officer role at Zania?

Discuss your passion for AI, cybersecurity, and driving innovation in compliance automation. Describe how alignment with Zania’s mission and the opportunity to lead transformative projects motivates your desire to take on the CTO role.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 17, 2025

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