Build a better way to search: for users, for Europe, and for the planet.
Ecosia is building a credible alternative to Big Tech search: a mission-driven product that supports climate action with every search.
As our next Chief Technology Officer, you will help shape how millions of people experience search and browsing — at a moment when AI, assistants, and new interaction models are redefining user expectations.
This is a backfill role in a product-led company with a clear mission, an established user base, and exciting technical and strategic challenges ahead.
Your role:
As CTO, you are a product-oriented technology leader : someone who thinks first in terms of user value and outcomes, and uses technology as the lever to deliver them.
Your opportunity to make an impact:
* Own Ecosia’s technology vision and execution, ensuring our platforms evolve quickly to changing needs.
* Co-own product direction with Product and Design, ensuring technology supports efficient iteration and high-quality user experiences
* Establish and enhance a capable engineering leadership team, guiding and supporting a group of engineering managers while promoting clarity, focus, and accountability
* Translate product strategy into technical priorities, balancing speed, quality, cost, and long-term maintainability
* Promote innovation in search and browsing, including AI-assisted experiences, GPT-based interfaces, and emerging paradigms
* Make pragmatic technology decisions that respect Ecosia’s mission, financial constraints, and environmental impact
* Advance European digital sovereignty, deepening our partnership with Qwant and contributing to a more independent search ecosystem with our joint-venture European Search Perspective (EUSP).
Your areas of knowledge and expertise:
* You gained experience as a CTO or senior technology leader in a product-led organization
* Your capability to lead through leaders, to drive transformation, and deliver outcomes in complex situations is evident
* You are tech curious and are comfortable challenging technical assumptions, asking the right questions, and staying close to key architectural decisions
* You successfully drove the adoption of AI-assisted development practices within your organizations
* You acknowledge diversity and understand the importance of creating an inclusive workplace
* You have a bias towards action and pragmatism, both in your own work and in your enablement of others.
The bigger picture:
* You shape what millions of users experience every day, not just internal systems
* You work at the intersection of product, technology, and purpose
* You help define how AI and search can be done responsibly — outside Big Tech
* You contribute to a European technology ecosystem with long-term societal relevance
At Ecosia, we believe great products can drive real change. This role lets you prove it.
Process:
* Talent Partner call (⏱️ 45′)
* Leadership Interview (⏱️ 60′)
* Technical conversation (⏱️ 1h15′)
* Product call (⏱️ 60′)