Chief Technology Officer / VP of Technology

Title: Chief Technology Officer / VP of Technology

Location: Houston, TX (Hybrid)

Job Type: Regular Full-time What's the Opportunity? The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will drive business growth, innovation, and revenue-generating digital services by leading IT, Data Solutions, and a new Software Development function. Reporting to the CEO or CFO, the CTO will modernize Anchor QEA's technology infrastructure, AI capabilities, and digital solutions, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of environmental consulting and engineering.

This role goes beyond traditional IT-the CTO will develop client-facing technology solutions, AI-driven automation, and data-powered services that enhance project outcomes and create new revenue streams. As a key executive team member, the CTO will align technology strategy with corporate objectives, collaborating with the CEO, CSO, CAO, COO, and CFO to drive efficiency, innovation, and profitability.

The ideal candidate is a business-savvy technology leader with a track record of digital transformation, scaling high-performing teams, and delivering impactful technology solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a transformative technology strategy aligned with business growth, revenue generation, and operational excellence.
• Lead the integration and modernization of IT, Data Solutions, and the new Software Development team, ensuring a high-performing, scalable, and secure technology infrastructure.
• Identify, develop, and commercialize new digital services (e.g., AI-powered consulting tools, data analytics platforms, and SaaS solutions) to drive revenue growth and client value.
• Leverage AI, automation, and data science to enhance project execution, predictive modeling, and operational efficiency across the firm.
• Monetize Anchor QEA's data assets by building intelligent insights, AI-driven environmental modeling, and client-facing solutions.
• Oversee software development and innovation initiatives, driving the creation of custom solutions, workflow automation, and AI-enhanced decision-making tools.
• Establish and scale a high-performing technology organization, ensuring the right mix of engineering, AI, IT infrastructure, and data science talent.
• Foster a culture of innovation and cross-functional collaboration across technology, business, and client service teams.
• Forge strategic partnerships and evaluate technology investments with AI providers, cloud platforms, and industry-leading technology firms to accelerate digital transformation.
• Enhance cybersecurity, compliance, and IT governance, ensuring data security, risk management, and regulatory alignment.
• Work closely with executive leadership (CEO, CSO, CAO, COO, CFO) to align technology investments with corporate strategy and market positioning.
• Engage directly with clients and industry leaders, positioning Anchor QEA as a technology-driven consulting firm through thought leadership, conferences, and client engagements.
• Optimize enterprise software, collaboration tools, and cloud solutions, ensuring scalable, efficient, and user-friendly systems that support business goals.
• Lead technology-driven process improvements across the organization, enhancing efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making.

What Are We Looking For? Must-Have Qualifications for this role include:

• 15+ years of progressive technology leadership experience, with at least 5 years in an executive or senior technology strategy role.
• Proven track record of leading digital transformation, custom software development, and revenue-generating technology initiatives.
• Experience in software product management, including developing, launching, and scaling technology-driven products and services (e.g., AI solutions, SaaS platforms, data analytics tools) that contribute to business growth.
• Deep expertise in IT infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and modern software development practices.
• Background in AI and machine learning, automation, and data-driven decision-making, with experience in building intelligent, scalable, and commercially viable technology solutions.
• Ability to write code, debug code, and understand the underlying principles of programming.
• Ability to design and deploy databases, as well as proficiently query and manage data.
• Proficient understanding of software delivery methodologies such as agile project management and DevOps.
• Demonstrated ability to align product and technology strategy with business goals, ensuring that digital innovations create tangible value for both the company and its clients.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with experience structuring and scaling high-performing product management, engineering, IT, and data science teams.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, technology partnerships, and strategic alliances to enhance innovation capabilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field (Master's preferred).

Preferred Qualifications for this role include:

• Industry experience in environmental consulting, engineering, and/or professional services.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate technology investments into competitive advantage.
• Experience in client-facing technology leadership, including presenting to executives, clients, and industry forums.
• Proven ability to define and influence go-to-market strategies for new technology services, including market validation, pricing models, and customer adoption strategies.
• Proven ability to foster a culture of innovation, agility, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Hands-on experience with modern tech stacks, enterprise software, AI/ML solutions, and cloud platforms (Azure, AWS).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment, balancing strategic vision with tactical execution.

What Can You Expect? Be part of a mission-driven firm that values technical excellence and sustainability. Lead a forward-thinking technology team in a dynamic and growing organization. Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Who Are We? Anchor QEA provides environmental planning, science, and engineering consulting services with the mission of transforming our environment and communities with integrity and vibe. With more than 500 people in offices across the United States, our collective vision is to be an inclusive, sustainable, and growing environmental innovator making generational impacts. By embodying our core values, we strive to be our clients' first choice for solving their most challenging problems and to be our employees' reason to be excited about going to work each morning. Learn more about Anchor QEA at www.anchorqea.com.

How to Apply? Apply online through Anchor QEA's Open Positions page at https://www.anchorqea.com/careers/careers-open-positions/. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information As an equal opportunity employer, Anchor QEA does not discriminate in employment based on age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran's status, national origin, disability or sexual orientation. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a comprehensive background check.

Salary and Other Compensation:

• Annual Bonus
• Other potential bonus types: Billable Time Bonus, Spot Bonus, Milestone Anniversary Bonus, Receiving Professional License/Certification Bonus, Peer-reviewed Publication Bonus, Employee Referral Bonus.

Base Level Benefits for Regular Full-Time Positions:

• Healthcare: Medical, dental, vision, basic life and AD&D insurance
• Paid Company and Floating Holidays: 7 paid company and 2 floating holidays annually
• Vacation: 3 weeks accrued paid vacation based on length of service. Vacation may vary by level.
• Sick and Safe Time: 80 hours annually
• Retirement Plan: 401k plan with an employer match *
• Further information on benefits: https://anchorqea.com/careers/benefits/

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a comprehensive background check