Fractional CTO – Global Tech & E-Commerce Ventures
Budget: $3 – $30 USD
We're looking for a hands-on fractional CTO to lead the technical direction of Layerline (layerline.io), a global 3D printing marketplace. Layerline is the immediate focus, but on the backend we're also building our own custom e-commerce platform — and the role will expand to this and other ventures within our portfolio over time. This is someone who can code, architect, and implement — not just advise.
Freelancers only — no agencies. Flexible, ongoing engagement with potential to grow into a full-term role and long-term technical partnership.
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ABOUT US
• Multiple ventures — ecosystem infrastructure (B2B SaaS), e-commerce (3D printing marketplace), technology solutions, startup ecosystem coordination
• Layerline (layerline.io) is the immediate focus — selling 3D printers, filament & accessories worldwide
• We're building our own custom e-commerce platform on the backend (think: Shopify alternative) — a major future focus for this role
• Based in the Netherlands with a US entity, operating globally
• Distributed teams across developing countries (Egypt, India, and others)
• Looking for a CTO who can grow with us across ventures
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WHAT WE NEED
Hands-On Development (Immediate Priority — Layerline)
• Building and improving features on our custom-built e-commerce platform (built with Lovable)
• Custom development — apps, integrations, automations
• Front-end and back-end development as needed
• Rapid prototyping and shipping of new features
• Vibe coding mindset — leveraging AI tools (Lovable, Cursor, Claude, etc.) to move fast
Tech Architecture & Infrastructure
• Audit current tech stack and recommend improvements
• Scalable architecture decisions as the platform grows
• Third-party integrations (payment, shipping, ERP, CRM, analytics)
• Performance optimization — site speed, uptime, reliability
• Security best practices and implementation
AI & Automation
• Identifying opportunities to automate operations with AI
• Implementing AI-powered features (product recommendations, search, chatbots, dynamic pricing)
• Building and deploying agentic AI solutions — autonomous workflows, AI agents, multi-step automation
• Workflow automation — order processing, inventory, customer service
• Staying ahead of AI/ML and agentic AI trends relevant to e-commerce
Tech Strategy
• Advise on long-term tech stack decisions
• Build vs. buy decisions for new capabilities
• Lead development of our custom e-commerce platform (Shopify alternative)
• Technical due diligence for new ventures within the portfolio
• Roadmap planning and prioritization
• Future SaaS development opportunities within the broader ventures
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WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
• 7+ years software development experience with at least 3 in a senior/lead role
• Strong hands-on coding skills — you still write code, not just manage
• Full-stack capabilities — comfortable across front-end, back-end, and infrastructure
• Proven experience building and scaling e-commerce platforms
• Strong understanding of AI/ML tools, agentic AI, and how to apply them practically
• Experienced with vibe coding tools (Lovable, Cursor, Copilot, Claude, etc.)
• Solid version control practices (Git, branching strategies, code review workflows)
Bonus:
• Experience with Shopify or other e-commerce platforms
• Experience building SaaS/platform products from scratch
• Familiarity with the 3D printing or maker/hardware space
• Experience managing small dev teams or offshore developers
• DevOps/cloud infrastructure experience (AWS, GCP, etc.)
• Track record of shipping fast in startup environments
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HOW WE WORK
• Remote, flexible hours
• Clear communication, ownership mindset
• Move fast, ship often, iterate
• Long-term relationship with the right person
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TO APPLY
1. Your technical background and relevant experience
2. Examples of e-commerce platforms or products you've built (with links if possible)
3. Your experience with AI/automation and vibe coding tools
4. How you'd approach auditing and improving an existing e-commerce stack
5. Fee structure (hourly or retainer)
6. Availability and earliest start date
Freelancers only — no agencies. Flexible, ongoing engagement with potential to grow into a full-term role and long-term technical partnership.
---
ABOUT US
• Multiple ventures — ecosystem infrastructure (B2B SaaS), e-commerce (3D printing marketplace), technology solutions, startup ecosystem coordination
• Layerline (layerline.io) is the immediate focus — selling 3D printers, filament & accessories worldwide
• We're building our own custom e-commerce platform on the backend (think: Shopify alternative) — a major future focus for this role
• Based in the Netherlands with a US entity, operating globally
• Distributed teams across developing countries (Egypt, India, and others)
• Looking for a CTO who can grow with us across ventures
---
WHAT WE NEED
Hands-On Development (Immediate Priority — Layerline)
• Building and improving features on our custom-built e-commerce platform (built with Lovable)
• Custom development — apps, integrations, automations
• Front-end and back-end development as needed
• Rapid prototyping and shipping of new features
• Vibe coding mindset — leveraging AI tools (Lovable, Cursor, Claude, etc.) to move fast
Tech Architecture & Infrastructure
• Audit current tech stack and recommend improvements
• Scalable architecture decisions as the platform grows
• Third-party integrations (payment, shipping, ERP, CRM, analytics)
• Performance optimization — site speed, uptime, reliability
• Security best practices and implementation
AI & Automation
• Identifying opportunities to automate operations with AI
• Implementing AI-powered features (product recommendations, search, chatbots, dynamic pricing)
• Building and deploying agentic AI solutions — autonomous workflows, AI agents, multi-step automation
• Workflow automation — order processing, inventory, customer service
• Staying ahead of AI/ML and agentic AI trends relevant to e-commerce
Tech Strategy
• Advise on long-term tech stack decisions
• Build vs. buy decisions for new capabilities
• Lead development of our custom e-commerce platform (Shopify alternative)
• Technical due diligence for new ventures within the portfolio
• Roadmap planning and prioritization
• Future SaaS development opportunities within the broader ventures
---
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
• 7+ years software development experience with at least 3 in a senior/lead role
• Strong hands-on coding skills — you still write code, not just manage
• Full-stack capabilities — comfortable across front-end, back-end, and infrastructure
• Proven experience building and scaling e-commerce platforms
• Strong understanding of AI/ML tools, agentic AI, and how to apply them practically
• Experienced with vibe coding tools (Lovable, Cursor, Copilot, Claude, etc.)
• Solid version control practices (Git, branching strategies, code review workflows)
Bonus:
• Experience with Shopify or other e-commerce platforms
• Experience building SaaS/platform products from scratch
• Familiarity with the 3D printing or maker/hardware space
• Experience managing small dev teams or offshore developers
• DevOps/cloud infrastructure experience (AWS, GCP, etc.)
• Track record of shipping fast in startup environments
---
HOW WE WORK
• Remote, flexible hours
• Clear communication, ownership mindset
• Move fast, ship often, iterate
• Long-term relationship with the right person
---
TO APPLY
1. Your technical background and relevant experience
2. Examples of e-commerce platforms or products you've built (with links if possible)
3. Your experience with AI/automation and vibe coding tools
4. How you'd approach auditing and improving an existing e-commerce stack
5. Fee structure (hourly or retainer)
6. Availability and earliest start date