Technical Co-Founder

Company Overview:
TraceForm is an innovative tech venture focused on revolutionizing the plastic sustainability space by leveraging AI, machine learning, and satellite technology to track and verify the origins of sustainably sourced plastics. As we transition from early-stage development to MVP and beyond, we are seeking a Technical Co-Founder to spearhead the technical strategy and execution, lead development teams, and bring advanced satellite data recognition, machine learning (ML), and supply chain tracking into our core product.

Role Overview:
As the Technical Co-Founder of TraceForm, you will be responsible for driving the technical vision and architecture of our AI-powered platform. You will play a critical role in building and scaling the product from MVP through to full-scale deployment, focusing on utilizing satellite communication, machine learning, and AI to provide verifiable transparency in the plastic supply chain. This position demands a visionary leader with a strong technical background in AI and machine learning, satellite technology, and data science who can execute strategically and lead cross-functional teams to bring this transformative product to life.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Technical Strategy & Architecture

Define and execute the technical strategy for TraceForm’s AI platform, ensuring alignment with the company’s mission to drive sustainability through transparency.
Lead the design and development of an AI-based system that integrates data from multiple sources, including satellites, machine learning models, and supply chain networks, to ensure accurate tracking and validation of materials.
Build and refine the architecture for a public-facing platform that displays sustainability data with transparent, verifiable metrics.
Establish and lead the development of an MVP that can scale into a full-fledged system deployed across industries.

1. Satellite Communication & Data Recognition

Implement and manage satellite communication technologies to track and verify plastics sourced from various geographical locations, including ocean-based plastics.
Develop ML models for image recognition and object detection to classify plastics and other materials during collection and recycling processes, utilizing data from satellites, drones, and remote sensing technologies.
Collaborate with satellite data providers (e.g., Planet Labs, Maxar, or Spire Global) to integrate real-time satellite imagery and data feeds into the TraceForm platform for accurate tracking of plastic movement through supply chains.

1. Machine Learning & AI Integration
   Lead the development of sophisticated ML algorithms for data synthesis, predictive analytics, and plastic verification.
   Build models capable of predicting collection trends, optimizing operations, and ensuring the quality control of materials before they reach manufacturers.
   Use AI and ML to ensure that data gathered from satellites and supply chains is accurate, actionable, and presented in an intuitive, user-friendly format.

2. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
   Hire, mentor, and lead a high-performing engineering team, ensuring that technical execution aligns with the broader business goals of TraceForm.
   Collaborate closely with the product, operations, and business development teams to ensure seamless integration of technology into the business model and client offerings.
   Connect with external partners (e.g., satellite data providers, sustainability consultants) to drive technical partnerships and expand the platform’s capabilities.

3. Supply Chain & Sustainability Expertise
   Understand and implement supply chain tracking technologies to ensure accurate sourcing and traceability of plastic materials, integrating AI models with existing supply chain systems.
   Incorporate sustainability metrics and compliance tracking, ensuring that materials meet required environmental standards and regulations.

4. Product Development & Scaling
   Lead the technical roadmap for scaling the MVP into a fully operational, global platform.
   Identify key technology stacks (e.g., Python, TensorFlow, MongoDB) and tools to optimize platform performance, scalability, and security.
   Work with UI/UX designers to ensure that the platform’s interface is intuitive, visually appealing, and user-friendly for diverse stakeholders (e.g., businesses, government agencies, and NGOs).
   Oversee integration with hardware (e.g., drones, scanners) for additional data collection points in the supply chain.

Qualifications & Skills:

Technical Expertise:

Machine Learning & AI: Proven experience with AI, machine learning models, and developing custom solutions using technologies like Python, TensorFlow, and LangChain.

Satellite Communication & Recognition: Deep understanding of satellite data analysis, satellite communication, and integration of satellite imagery into data platforms.

Supply Chain & Sustainability Tracking: Strong knowledge of supply chain technologies and tracking systems, with a passion for sustainability and transparent sourcing.

Experience:

5+ years in a senior technical leadership role, preferably as a co-founder or CTO in a tech startup.
Experience working in sectors such as sustainability, AI, supply chain, or environmental technologies.
Proven ability to take an MVP from concept to execution and scale it globally.
Demonstrated experience in leading engineering teams and managing cross-functional collaborations.

Skills:

Expertise in satellite data, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis.
Strong background in ML model development, predictive analytics, and AI-driven decision-making.
Familiarity with hardware integration (e.g., drones, scanners) and using such devices for real-time data tracking.

Excellent communication skills and ability to convey complex technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders.
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to adapt quickly and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Experience:
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud) for AI model deployment and scalability.
Knowledge of blockchain or other verification technologies for ensuring transparency in supply chains.
Passion for sustainability, environmental science, and ethical sourcing, especially in plastics or ocean-based projects.

Compensation:
This position is equity-based, with a competitive stake in the company for the right candidate. We are looking for someone who shares the vision of TraceForm and is passionate about building a platform that drives global sustainability and plastic transparency.