KORE1 Technologies

Compensation

Full Description

THE CLIENT'S PREFERENCE IS CONTRACT-TO-HIRE, BUT THEY ARE OPEN TO A DIRECT HIRE UPFRONT FOR THE RIGHT CANDIDATE THIS ROLE IS HYBRID ONSITE IN IRVINE (3 DAYS ONSITE, 2 DAYS REMOTE). SORRY, WE ARE UNABLE TO SPONSOR OR TRANSFER VISAS AT THIS TIME. KORE1, a nationwide provider of staffing and recruiting solutions, has an immediate opening for a CTO: startup architect/leader over blockchain, smartcontract, plus web/mobile/cloud & AI/ML enablement We are seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the company's global technology vision, strategy, and execution. This role is critical: the CTO will rebuild our U.S.-based engineering organization while managing our existing outsourced team in China, ensuring alignment between innovation and scalability. As CTO, you will be both a visionary leader and a hands-on builder. You will guide architecture, lead engineering strategy, and - when needed - roll up your sleeves to code, mentor developers, and ensure delivery at startup speed. You will also be a key executive voice with investors, partners, and customers. Key Responsibilities: • Define and execute the technology strategy for our ecosystem • Lead the U.S. engineering team buildout (product managers, engineers, QA) while managing outsourced developers abroad. • Partner with product and business leaders to create and launch new blockchain-based products. • Oversee the design and delivery of secure, scalable, and innovative platforms. • Ensure best practices in engineering, architecture, and security • Build and manage a hybrid team model (in-house and outsourced developers) to balance speed, quality, and cost. • Occasionally contribute code and mentor developers to accelerate progress and uphold technical standards. • Represent our technical vision to investors, partners, and key stakeholders. • Stay ahead of emerging trends in AI, blockchain, fintech, and identity verification. Qualifications • Bilingual in Mandarin is a plus • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Cryptography, or related technical field is a plus. • 10+ years of technology leadership experience, with at least 5+ years in CTO, VP of Engineering, or equivalent roles. • Proven track record of building and scaling engineering teams (including managing outsourced developers). • Entrepreneurial mindset with a 0→1 product innovation track record. • Experience leading teams focused on blockchain / smartcontracts is required • Experience leading software development teams focused on web &/or mobile technologies (React, ReactNative, NodeJs, PostgreSQL, AWS, Rest APIs, etc.) is helpful • Experience leading teams focused on infrastructure (Cloud / DevOps) is helpful • Experience leading teams focused on enabling AI / ML / LLM is a plus. • Technical expertise (architecture) in blockchain is required (Ethereum, Solana, or other major blockchain platforms work). • This includes protocol, dApps, Layer 1/Layer 2, or DeFi/Web3 • Hands-on coding experience in Solidity, Java, and/or Go, with a willingness to mentor developers directly. • Strong understanding of smart contract security, cryptography, and distributed systems required (Rust) • Strong background in system architecture, distributed systems, and enterprise-grade security. • Experience in Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization is a big plus. • Familiarity with fintech or biometric systems is a plus. • Experience with fundraising, IPO readiness, or M&A technical due diligence is highly desirable. • Excellent communication skills, able to inspire both technical teams and investors. • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship). Compensation depends on experience but is typically $140-200/hr with a target salary to convert at $300-400K plus pre-IPO equity. ABOUT KORE1 Specializing in professional and technical recruiting, KORE1 is committed to supporting top IT, Engineering, Creative, Scientific, Accounting and Finance professionals in their career paths. We build deep relationships with leading companies, connecting them to exceptional talent every day. With extensive industry expertise and unmatched opportunities, our goal is to provide a unique experience for our contractors and consultants as they prepare for their next role. We are passionate about matching the right people with the right companies. Kore1 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Kore1 complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Kore1 expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Kore1's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.