CTO (Chief Technology Officer)

About the Company

Satsuma.ai (Formerly MealMe.ai) is building the infrastructure layer that connects merchants to the new world of AI agents and conversational interfaces. As AI systems like ChatGPT, Alexa, and others begin to search, recommend, and transact on behalf of users, Satsuma ensures products are visible, accessible, and monetizable in real time.

We partner directly with merchants to make their products and services searchable and orderable by AI. Through our API and Merchant Gateway, we enable real-time access to structured data—like product catalogs, menus, pricing, and availability, while giving merchants full control over access, pricing, and usage through their Merchant Console.

Whether it’s a grocery chain, restaurant group, or large retailer, Satsuma transforms AI traffic into revenue by routing it through merchant-owned infrastructure. Our platform unlocks two major value streams: high-margin data monetization and increased order volume from AI-native channels.

Satsuma is backed by leading investors such as Mercury Fund, Palm Drive Capital, Quiet Capital, Slow Ventures, AIX Ventures, and more. We are growing rapidly as we help merchants own their presence in the era of AI commerce.

About the Role

Satsuma AI is looking for a visionary and execution-focused Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the technical direction of our fast-growing AI infrastructure company. As CTO, you will be responsible for overseeing all engineering initiatives, setting the long-term technology roadmap, and ensuring the scalability, reliability, and performance of our core platform.

This is a foundational executive role where you'll work directly alongside the CEO and leadership team to define and execute the company’s product and data strategies. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the architecture that supports mission-critical AI applications and services, helping us become the default infrastructure layer for high-value data and real-world action.

Location: This is a full-time, in-person role based in Austin, TX. We believe that close-knit, high-velocity collaboration is essential at this stage of the company’s growth.

Requirements

• Technical Leadership Experience : 7+ years of hands-on engineering experience with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role (e.g. CTO, VP Engineering, or Principal Architect) at a high-growth startup or technical organization.
• Strong Systems Architecture Skills : Proven ability to architect scalable, high-availability APIs and distributed systems. You’ve built or led systems that handle real-time data, integrations, and external API exposure.
• Merchant-Facing Integration Expertise : Experience building infrastructure that interfaces with merchant systems, such as POS, inventory, menu/product catalogs, or commerce APIs.
• AI Infrastructure Awareness : Familiarity with the AI ecosystem—how LLMs interact with tools, agents, or third-party APIs—and an opinionated view on where the market is headed.
• Execution-Oriented : You can move quickly from vision to production, roll up your sleeves when needed, and enjoy being close to the code during critical moments.
• Security and Control Mindset : You think from the merchant’s perspective—ensuring data privacy, uptime, pricing control, and visibility when exposing data to external agents.
• Recruiting and Team Building : Experience hiring and leading high-performance engineering teams from scratch. Comfortable working in a hybrid or fully in-person environment.
• Austin-Based : Must be located in or willing to relocate to Austin, TX , and work in person with the founding team

Benefits

At Satsuma AI, we believe in creating a work environment that supports high performance and personal well-being. As part of our team, you’ll receive:

• 401(k) Plan – Build for your future with employer-supported retirement savings.
• Healthcare Reimbursement – Flexible reimbursement for your medical, dental, and vision expenses.
• Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need to recharge, with a flexible and trusting vacation policy.
• Free Gym Access – Stay active with a fully covered gym membership.
• Free Meals – Enjoy delicious, healthy meals at the office every day.

We’re an in-person team based in Austin, TX , committed to building ambitious technology with people who love to move fast, take ownership, and solve real problems.