Founders Associate (f/m/x) - #2174067

Are you ready to save the planet?

We will help prevent a climate crisis by freeing the world from fossil fuels. Our breakthrough direct air capture technology captures CO2 from the atmosphere and produces hydrogen in parallel.

The clock is ticking. What are you waiting for?

Our goals are ambitious. We need people who are inspired and motivated to turn these aspirations into reality; to grow and develop with us.

As the Founders Associate to the CTO, you will work directly alongside our Chief Technology Officer to drive strategic, operational, and technical initiatives across the organization. You will serve as a thought partner, execution lead, and force multiplier, enabling the CTO to focus on the highest-impact technical and organizational decisions.

How You'll Contribute

Specifically, you will:

• Own special projects from idea to execution across R&D, engineering, hiring, and operations.
• Drive internal alignment, preparing agendas, notes, and follow-ups for key engineering and leadership meetings.
• Translate ideas into action, ensuring strategic priorities are implemented effectively.
• Conduct analysis to support decision-making on product, technical roadmap, and process optimization.
• Build and manage relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects that intersect engineering, product, and leadership
• Own tech communication to key stakeholders
  
  

Your first 12 months in the role

Month1

• Get up to speed on our technology, people, and processes.
• Shadow the CTO to understand priorities and pain points.
• Take ownership of a first project (e.g., tooling infrastructure upgrade, process mapping).
• Months 2-3 Lead 1–2 cross-functional initiatives, delivering results on tight timelines.
• Support key technical meetings and operational reviews, ensuring follow-through.
• Begin developing a scalable operational playbook for the tech org.
  
  

Months 4 onwards

• Act as a thought partner to the CTO on strategic topics like team structure, roadmap prioritization, or external collaborations.
• Launch and manage new internal systems or workflows (e.g., OKRs, vendor onboarding).
• Expand your influence across the company by spearheading high-impact initiatives.
• Support a multi-disciplinary team in setting and executing our tech roadmap. For this you will need to have gained a detailed understanding our technology and strategic positioning
  
  

About You

• Background in engineering, science, or technical management, ideally with exposure to hardware or climate-tech startups.
• 2–5 years of experience in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment—consulting, venture building, or founder experience a plus.
• Highly structured and execution-focused—you get things done without needing constant direction.
• Analytical mindset with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Deep curiosity about technology and a passion for sustainability.
• Fluent in German and English
  
  

What We Offer

• 30 days vacation plus public holidays to ensure you also have the down time needed to rest and recharge.
• The possibility to grow and shape your role.
• Working with founders who understand - and invest time in - the importance of building a healthy and sustainable organization.
• Open and transparent communication on company development.
  
  

Noteworthy points

This role cannot be done fully remotely. We require someone who lives within commuting distance to Essen or is open to relocate, which we are happy to support.

Did you like what you just read? Apply directly and send us your CV. We look forward to hearing from you!

About Us

GCT was founded in September 2022 with the ambition to develop a low-cost, robust Direct Air Capture technology that captures CO2 at world-leading energy rates, whilst supplying hydrogen as a by-product. The company’s technology is based on 15 years of research and has been proven at various scales. Since its founding, the company raised 45-million Euros in funding from leading venture capitalists and renowned business angels.