Head of Software Engineering [Riyadh]

*This role requires relocation to Riyadh, KSA* We’re partnering with a fast-scaling deep tech startup building next-generation AI infrastructure that combines cutting-edge hardware and software to deliver high-performance AI compute solutions. The Opportunity We’re hiring a Head of Engineering to lead the development of a platform that can operate independently of underlying hardware. This is a critical leadership role focused on building a developer-first system that enables flexibility, performance, and global adoption. The Role Lead the development of a standalone orchestration platform Define and execute the strategy to decouple software from hardware environments Build and scale a developer-focused platform and ecosystem Drive integrations with OEMs, cloud providers, and infrastructure partners Own platform adoption and commercialisation through partnerships Stay hands-on where needed—maintaining technical credibility with engineering teams Engage with customers and partners at both technical and executive levels What They’re Looking For Minimum 10+ years in software engineering with at least 4 years leading teams of 5 or more engineers. Deep expertise in at least two of: AI infrastructure, MLOps, distributed systems, GPU-accelerated workloads, HPC, or runtime systems programming Strong background in GPU scheduling, KV-cache management, or LLM serving optimisation Hands-on experience deploying and optimising AI infrastructure at production scale, ideally with multiple inference engines, utilities, and training frameworks. Proven ability to ship production software through a full release cycle, not just a prototype Strong fluency in Python, C++, and a systems language (Rust, Go, or modern C); comfort with JavaScript or TypeScript for tooling Solid grounding in Linux internals, containers, GPU drivers, CUDA, and observability tooling Nice to Have Direct experience with sovereign AI, on-premise LLM deployment, air-gapped systems, or AI in regulated industries (defence, energy, government, finance, healthcare) Open-source contributions in the AI infrastructure space Prior experience as a founding engineer or senior engineer at a deep-tech startup that reached commercial GA Experience with security primitives: hardware fingerprinting, license enforcement, software protection, code obfuscation

Lead the development of a standalone orchestration platform and define the strategy to decouple software from hardware environments. Drive platform adoption and commercialization through partnerships with OEMs, cloud providers, and infrastructure partners.

Requires over 10 years of software engineering experience with at least 4 years in a leadership role. Must possess deep expertise in AI infrastructure, distributed systems, or GPU-accelerated workloads and be proficient in Python, C++, and systems programming.

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Software Engineering
• AI Infrastructure
• MLOps
• Distributed Systems
• GPU-accelerated Workloads
• HPC
• Runtime Systems Programming
• GPU Scheduling
• KV-cache Management
• LLM Serving Optimisation
• Python
• C++
• Rust
• Go
• Linux Internals
• CUDA

• Software
• Engineering
• Management & Leadership
• Technology
• Data & Analytics

Minimum experience

10+ years

Apply by

Aug 19, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Director

Application method

Direct apply is available