I would have assumed that they are secretaries, but I suppose, in this case, they are more likely to be independent researchers who report directly to the CTO i

I would have assumed that they are secretaries, but I suppose, in this case, they are more likely to be independent researchers who report directly to the CTO in an organization that is hierarchically structured. Too intelligent or useful to let go, but too independent to toss into the regular worker pool. I would say that they are mid-level management ranking, maybe less depending on the business.