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%* Attractive remuneration commensurate with responsibility* Development based on your impact – not on a career pathOur focus isn’t always constant – but our sense of responsibility is.If you can handle uncertainty, experimentation and changing conditions whilst still consistently delivering results, you’ll find plenty of creative freedom here.If, on the other hand, you require stable setups and unchanging conditions in the long term, this role is probably not the right one for you.BENEFITS & ESSENTIALS## Strong benefits, real appreciation.### Because your commitment counts! #J-18808-Ljbffr