Fractional & Interim CTO

Hands-on Technology Leadership When It Matters

Hi, I’m Mike — a senior software engineer and technical leader.

I help founders, CEOs, and leadership teams design, scale, and stabilize software systems — aligning technology with business goals and execution reality.

With 20+ years of experience across software engineering, system architecture, and executive leadership, I step in when clarity, experience, and accountability are required.

What I Do

Fractional & Interim CTO Services

Senior technical leadership without the cost or commitment of a full-time CTO.

I support organizations during growth, transition, or complexity by providing clear technical direction, decision-making, and execution oversight.

Typical focus areas:

Technology strategy & roadmaps
Architecture and system design
Engineering team leadership and scaling
Vendor management
Technical due diligence & M&A support
Risk management, security, and compliance
Executive and board-level communication

This is an ongoing leadership role, not advisory-only.

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Project-Based & Long-Term Engineering

For organizations that need experienced execution — not just advice.

I take on well-defined projects or longer-term engineering engagements, working hands-on where necessary and structuring delivery around clear outcomes.

Engagement models include:

Fixed-scope, outcome-driven projects
Time & Material or monthly engineering capacity
Long-term technical ownership for critical systems

Clear scope, clear pricing, fast execution.

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Project-Based Engineering – Areas of Focus

Software Engineering & Architecture

Design and delivery of reliable, scalable systems — from greenfield builds to modernization of complex legacy platforms.

PHP & CMS Maintenance

Pragmatic maintenance, optimization, and modernization of PHP-based systems, including CMS platforms, with a focus on stability and longevity.

SaaS, Integrations & Automation

Design and implementation of integrations, internal tools, and automation to reduce operational friction and improve delivery speed.

Cloud, Infrastructure & Cost Fixes

Cloud architecture reviews, deployment improvements, reliability fixes, and cost optimization — grounded in real systems experience.

UNIX & Linux System Engineering

Advanced system-level work across GNU/Linux, UNIX, Solaris, and BSD environments — including performance tuning, reliability, and operational stability.

How Project Engagements Work

Discovery Call

We start with a focused discussion to understand your challenge, context, and desired outcomes.

Engagement Model

We define the right structure — fixed scope or flexible engagement — based on risk, clarity, and timeline.

Delivery & Execution

Work is delivered through clear milestones and regular feedback, whether the engagement lasts weeks or several months.

Why Work With Me

Executive-level experience with engineering background

Hands-on CTO — not a slide-deck consultant

Proven experience scaling teams and systems

Ability to operate across business, architecture, and execution

Clear communication with founders and stakeholders

Pragmatic decisions driven by business needs

Focus on fixing and stabilizing before rewriting

Building long-term sustainability, not quick hacks

About Me

I’m Mike Kitanoski — a Fractional & Interim CTO with over two decades of experience across software engineering, system architecture, and technology leadership.

I’ve founded and scaled multiple technology organizations, led teams through growth and acquisition, and helped companies build systems that last.