Head of Engineering – AI-native Platform (w/m/d)

## Role descriptionThis role is not a CTO position, nor is it intended as a stepping stone to a C-level role.We deliberately operate without a C-level structure and expect leadership to be driven by responsibility and active participation, not by titles.We are looking for someone who can shape engineering in such a way that speed, quality and scalability do not work against one another, but rather reinforce each other – even in the face of uncertainty.As Head of Engineering, you will be responsible for building and further developing an AI-native software engineering organisation.Our SDLC is currently designed to be AI-ready. The aim of this role is to shape this into a consistently AI-native, scalable and effective development model for day-to-day operations.In doing so, you will make conscious decisions about where AI takes on responsibility and where human decision-making remains indispensable.Your goal is not maximum output, but sustainable outcomes:Engineering as a reliable enabler of product, platform and growth.For us, leadership means leading by example.You will be consistently hands-on – particularly when it comes to architectural decisions, critical reviews, system design and the further development of the SDLC.This role is not purely a management role.Decisions arise from active participation within the system, not from a distance.## What we are looking for* Proven experience in building systems, not just in leading organisations* A strong mental model for: + Automation + Autonomy + Scaling without linear growth* A passion for fundamentally rethinking things, not just optimising them* Several years’ leadership experience as CTO / Head of Engineering in SaaS or product environments (scaling >100 engineers, near-/offshore experience)* In-depth technical expertise in, amongst others: + Java / Spring, Microservices + Docker, Kubernetes / OpenShift + CI/CD (e.g. GitLab, GitOps) + Cloud (AWS/EKS, GCP/GKE or similar) + REST / OpenAPI* Proven track record in establishing and managing SDLC and DevSecOps structures (DORA, SLI/SLO, incident and release processes)* AI-first engineering mindset with practical experience or robust blueprints* Languages: German C1, English at least B2## What we offer* A strategically central role with considerable scope for shaping the future* Responsibility for engineering as a system and a lever, not merely an administrative function* Work on a scaling AI and SaaS platform with real product impact* Direct influence on architecture, SDLC design, organisational logic and priorities* Short decision-making paths, no title or power politics, high level of personal responsibility* International environment, remote in Germany or hybrid (Hamburg), travel <10>