Empirical LLC

Provide fractional CTO leadership to startups by aligning engineering with business strategy, supporting team structure and hiring, advising on AI initiatives, and collaborating with internal teams. | 10+ years in software/product engineering with 3+ years in leadership, experience scaling teams in startups, strong executive communication, passion for mentoring, and familiarity or curiosity about AI. | Title: Fractional CTO (Remote – U.S. or LATAM) Location: Remote (U.S. or Latin America) Type: Part-time / Fractional / Contract Compensation: Based on experience, scope and engagement tier About Empirical Empirical empowers early- and growth-stage tech companies to build the right products the right way. We offer two core services: • Product & Technology Leadership: Our network of experienced CTOs and CPOs provide clients with strategic guidance through fractional, project-based, or advisory engagements. These leaders help companies gain clarity, improve delivery, and scale with confidence. • Product Development Teams: We pair our clients with high-performing, senior engineering talent from across Latin America through a flexible and scalable staff augmentation model. We’re a people-first company grounded in empathy, integrity, and meaningful collaboration. From strategic planning to hands-on execution, we work alongside founders and teams to bring great products to life—without the noise. Our Core Values • Care about people first • Strive to add value always • Lead with integrity • Have fun every step of the way The Opportunity We’re growing our network of Fractional CTOs to serve funded startups, late early stage and growth stage companies across the U.S. Our fractional CTOs provide executive-level technology leadership—without the overhead of a full-time role. These engagements are designed to be flexible, impactful, and mutually rewarding. Whether you’re between roles, building a portfolio career, or looking for a high-leverage way to contribute as a fractional leaders, this is a chance to drive real impact with real teams. What You'll Do • Serve as a Fractional CTO for one or more high-growth tech companies • Align engineering with business strategy, product priorities, and growth goals • Support or build engineering org structures, delivery processes, and hiring plans • Partner with founders and executive teams to drive clarity, speed, and innovation • Lead or advise on Gen AI initiatives: opportunity mapping, pilot builds, integrations • Collaborate with Empirical’s internal teams to layer in engineers or delivery teams as needed Common Engagement Scenarios • Interim or advisory leadership during inflection points or transitions • Roadmap rework and delivery rhythm overhaul • Team restructuring and hiring playbook creation • Product/engineering misalignment or velocity breakdown • AI use case development and implementation planning Who You Are • Based in the U.S. or Latin America • 10+ years in software / product engineering, including 3+ in leadership roles. • Proven experience scaling product/engineering teams in startup or growth-stage environments • Strong communicator with executive presence—comfortable working with founders, boards, and cross-functional leaders • Passionate about building and mentoring product development teams • Experienced with (or extremely curious and up to date about) AI implementation in real-world contexts • Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken) Engagement Models • Discovery Sprint: 15–25 hours over 2–3 weeks • Pulse: up to 10 hours/month – Strategic check-ins, roadmap advising • Guidance: up to 20 hours/month – Delivery rhythm, hiring, AI pilots • Ownership: up to 40 hours/month – Embedded leadership, end-to-end org strategy • Compensation: Depending on client, tier, and scope Why Join Empirical • Be part of a curated network of high-caliber, values-driven tech leaders • Do meaningful, strategic work on your terms • Stay in motion without burnout • Access Empirical’s community, engineering talent, and shared knowledge base • Work with clients who value clarity, velocity, and outcomes—not just hours