CTO Engineer III

C5MI is not your typical consulting firm. We are a high-performance team of SAP and supply chain experts who solve complex, mission critical challenges for organizations that cannot afford failure.

We hire consultants who thrive in complexity, move fast, take ownership, and deliver under pressure. At C5MI, you will not be siloed or stuck in theory. You will be hands on, client facing, and directly influencing outcomes that matter.

Our culture rewards initiative, accountability, and continuous growth. This is a place where your expertise is valued, your work is meaningful, and your performance truly matters. If you’re energized by learning through real-world challenges, collaborating with top-tier talent, and expanding your capabilities every day, C5MI is where strong consultants level up.

Position Summary:

The CTO Engineer III is responsible for the analysis, design, development, documentation, testing, and modification of integrated computer-based systems and prototypes that support C5MI's capability demonstrations and research and development initiatives across multiple programs. The position applies advanced systems analysis techniques to evaluate complex requirements, define functional and technical specifications, and design integrated solutions that combine information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) components across multiple systems and applications into a cohesive digital core architecture.

The CTO Engineer III drives the design and delivery of prototypes and demonstration solutions within C5MI's R&D Lab and Live Warehouse Experience Center, exercising independent professional judgment in selecting technical approaches, tools, and methods that align with architectural standards and customer needs. This role translates business objectives and user requirements into scalable, composable functional and technical scenarios that showcase automation, autonomy, and digital maturity, looking beyond current deployments to support mid-term program planning.

This position requires an experienced, hands-on technical professional who independently designs and implements multi-system solutions, guides the technical work of CTO Engineer II staff, and documents system behavior and performance. The role regularly consults with internal and external stakeholders to gather requirements, present design decisions, and lead prototype iterations so that solutions align with customer business goals.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Applies advanced systems analysis techniques to evaluate complex requirements, constraints, and use cases across multiple integrated systems; leads consultations with internal and external stakeholders to determine hardware/software/system functional specifications.

Drives the design, documentation, and development of proof-of-concept solutions and prototypes for multiple integrated systems and applications based on user or system design specifications, including test plans and acceptance criteria.

Leads the creation of innovative prototypes and customer showcases that demonstrate digital systems, automation, software agents, and data products in conjunction with program delivery staff.

Authors and reviews technical artifacts (design docs, interface specifications, test results) and establishes reusable component patterns that support iteration and scalable reuse across programs.

Analyzes complex integration requirements and defines functional/interface specifications for CPS-to-backend connectivity (applications, databases, cloud platforms, analytics) across multiple integrated systems.

Designs, develops, tests, and modifies integration services/APIs, data flows, and orchestration logic across multiple systems, including logging/monitoring requirements, and reviews the integration work of CTO Engineer I staff.

Expands and maintains the controlled lab environment for conducting demonstrations, authoring and improving playbooks and setup and teardown scripts and documentation.

Improves and assesses automated provisioning/configuration solutions (scripts, templates, infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD routines), including test-driven development, demonstration automation, and replay.

Leads troubleshooting of escalated issues by analyzing root causes and modifying systems/programs (code/configuration) to improve stability, security, and performance.

Designs, develops, documents, tests, and modifies software modules and prototype applications using appropriate languages/frameworks; conducts code and design reviews to ensure work meets user/system design specifications.

Applies AI-assisted tooling to accelerate development and promotes effective, responsible use of AI tools across the team while maintaining ownership of solution design, code quality, testing, and technical documentation.

Drives the integration of physical and software sensors into the cyber-physical demonstration environment, including collection, processing, and driving actions across multiple integrated systems.

Designs, develops, tests, and modifies software components for sensor ingestion, normalization, event processing, and control actions, and defines reusable patterns for prototype iterations.

Drives implementation of cybersecurity policy and procedures for prototypes and demonstrations, partnering with internal and external stakeholders to deliver security-by-design.

Leads delivery of prototypes and demonstrations through internal service line customer engagements and authors internal research recommendations and presentations on emerging Industry 4.0 capabilities.

Travels up to 25% to C5MI locations or client locations, depending on business needs.

Adheres to all certified processes as part of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and information security, which includes actively participating in quality assurance activities and ensuring the protection of sensitive information in accordance with our security policies.

Performs other related tasks as assigned by direct supervisor.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field with 3-5 years of industry or relevant experience, OR no degree and 5-7 years of industry or relevant experience.

Demonstrated experience delivering solutions with low-code or no-code platforms, vibe-coding, and AI-assisted development.

Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, networking, and systems administration, including multi-system integration.

Proficiency in two or more programming languages and software development methodologies, including code review practices.

Working experience with cloud platforms, virtualization technologies, and data management.

Working knowledge of cybersecurity principles and security-by-design practices.

Experience with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum).

Ability to prioritize tasks and resources for self and others and meet program deadlines.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams, stakeholders, and external vendors and partners.

Ability to translate technical concepts into clear and concise language for non-technical stakeholders, including customer presentations.

Proven ability to analyze complex technical issues across integrated systems, identify root causes, and implement solutions.

Willingness to adapt to evolving technologies, industry trends, and business requirements.

Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, including guiding the growth of junior engineers.

Must be able to obtain and maintain an active government clearance (requires U.S. citizenship).

Nice to Have:

Relevant certifications (e.g., cloud platform, cybersecurity, or SAP).

Experience with operational technology solutions, including programmable logic controllers (PLC) and other industrial cont