Deputy CTO (AI Product)

Cobalt Streamworks (SDG) is a group of social discovery companies. SDG solves the problems of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection - transforming virtual intimacy into the new normal. SDG’s products redefine the way people interact and connect with one another. Our portfolio includes social entertainment platforms designed to connect people online across different cultures and regions of the world. We bring together a team of like-minded people and IT professionals who specialize in creating and developing globally impactful social discovery products. Our international team of digital nomads works remotely from all over the world. We’re proud to be a two-time “Great Place to Work” winner (USA & Japan, 2000–2000) and a Top-5 Company for Work-From-Anywhere Jobs (FlexJobs, 2025). We are looking for Deputy CTO . Your main tasks will be: Act as the CTO's second-in-command across backend and ML teams, able to represent technical leadership in the CTO's absence Own architecture and technical decision-making for products and features end-to-end Stay hands-on — dive into the code and ship features yourself, prototype functionality when needed Translate business problems into technical solutions: take a small team (5–10 people) and a business need, and drive it to a working result Lead people: hiring, offboarding, compensation and resourcing decisions, team syncs Own cross-team alignment and synchronization with peers at CTO / CDO level Manage infrastructure, architecture, and the operational/administrative side without treating it as beneath you Drive execution in an environment where priorities shift constantly We expect from you: Strong backend engineering background — you think in architecture and can build systems in your head (C# / Python preferred; strong Java or other backend experience also welcome) Genuinely hands-on: still writing code and able to deliver a feature yourself Solid business understanding and the ability to connect technical and business goals Real people-management experience (hiring, team leadership, resourcing) Comfortable across the full spread: architecture, delivery, infrastructure, and operational work A startup mindset — you operate in a small, flat team and lead by example Curiosity that hasn't faded — even after years in the industry, you still want to try new things Clear, structured thinking and communication: you answer the question you're actually asked, and when you're uncertain, you can articulate exactly what you're uncertain about Senior-level experience (8+ years), including hands-on development and a technical leadership / management role What do we offer: REMOTE OPPORTUNITY to work full-time; The initial pay level or pay range for this role will be shared with candidates during the recruitment process and before the commencement of employment; Vacation 28 calendar days per year; 7 wellness days per year (time off) that can be used to deal with household issues, to lie down and recover without taking sick leave; Bonuses up to $5000 for recommending successful applicants for positions in the company; 50% payment for professional training, international conferences, and meetings; Corporate discount for English lessons; ​ Health benefits. According to the paychecks, if you are not eligible for corporate medical insurance, the company will compensate you with up to $ 1,000 gross per year per employee. This can be spent on self-purchase of health insurance or on doctor’s fees for yourself and close relatives (spouse, children); ​ Workplace organization. The company provides all employees with an equipped workplace and all the necessary equipment (table, armchair, wifi, etc.) in our offices or co-working locations. In the other locations, the company provides reimbursement of workplace costs up to $ 1000 gross once every 3 years, according to the paychecks. This money can be spent on the rent of the co-working room, on equipping the working place at home (desk, chair, Internet, etc.) during those 3 years; Internal gamified gratitude system: receive bonuses from colleagues and exchange them for our merchandise, team building activities, massage certificates, etc. Sounds good? Join us now!