Vice President of Operations

Axelera AI; Deutschland; Hybrid; EUR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Axelera AI is seeking a Vice President of Operations to build and scale the end-to-end operations function for a fast-growing fabless semiconductor company. You will own manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and delivery—transforming prototypes and pilots into reliable, high-volume production.

This hands-on leadership role requires deep technical expertise and the ability to operate in resource-constrained environments with aggressive timelines.

Qualifications

• Experience scaling fabless semiconductor operations globally.
• Proven track record in moving products from design to volume production.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams across geographies and time zones.

Responsibilities

• Build and scale fabless operations from prototype to volume production.
• Own external manufacturing partners and supply chain networks.
• Define global operation strategy considering geopolitical and capacity constraints.
• Lead cost modelling, cash planning, and gross margin improvements.
• Drive quality, reliability, and failure analysis frameworks for startup scale.

Skills

Global operations

Semiconductor manufacturing

Supply chain leadership

NPI management

Education

MBA

Job description

About Us

Axelera AI is not your regular deep-tech startup. We are creating the next-generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advancing humanity and improve the world around us.

In just four years, we have raised a total of $370 million and have built a world-class team of 220+ employees (including 49+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 18 different countries and with offices in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

We have also launched our Metis™ AI Platform, which achieves a 3-5x increase in efficiency and performance, and have visibility into a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million.

Our unwavering commitment to innovation has firmly established us as a global industry pioneer.

Are you up for the challenge?

Position Overview

The Vice President of Operations will build and scale the end-to-end operations function for a fast-growing fabless semiconductor company which provides to market AI chip, AI acceleration card and AI systems. This executive will take ownership of manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and delivery — transforming early prototypes and customer pilots into reliable, high-volume production.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring deep technical expertise, strong execution instincts, experience in starting and scale large operations worldwide and the ability to operate effectively in an environment with limited resources, evolving processes, and aggressive timelines.

Key responsibilities:

Build & Scale Operations

• Establish and scale fabless operations from early silicon through chip volume production, computing cards and systemsDesign and implement operational processes, systems, and KPIs suitable for rapid growthLead NPI, qualification, ramp, and sustaining production across multiple products, customers and geographiesBalance speed, cost, and quality in a resource-constrained environment
• Own all external manufacturing: foundries, OSATs, test partners, board design houses, system design houses, contract manufacturers, logistics providers and system integratorsDrive production planning, demand forecasting, and capacity managementIdentify and mitigate supply chain risks early (capacity, yield, lead times, geopolitical exposure)Develop alternate sourcing and contingency plans as the company scalesDefine and implement a global operation and supply chain strategy which takes in considerations supply chains and geopolitical requirements
• Build strategic, senior-level relationships with foundries, OSAT, system integrators, ODM/OEM, contract manufacturer partnersNegotiate contracts, pricing, capacity commitments, and escalation pathsAdvocate for the company internally with partners despite early-stage volume constraints
• Establish quality, reliability, and failure analysis frameworks appropriate for startup scaleLead yield learning, root cause analysis, and corrective actions from first silicon onwardEnsure customer quality requirements and certifications are met as the business grows
• Work closely with Engineering on DFM/DFT, process selection, and yield improvementPartner with Product and Sales to align customer commitments with operational realityCollaborate with Finance on cost modeling, cash planning, and gross margin improvement
• Build, lead, and mentor a lean, high-impact operations and supply chain teamSet a culture of ownership, urgency, transparency, and continuous improvementRoll up sleeves when needed — no task is "too small" at this stage

Qualifications:

Required

• Strong background in scaling globally operations in fabless semiconductor companies and/or is OEM computing companiesProven experience taking products from design to volume productionTrack record of building processes and teams from the ground upAbility to operate effectively and quickly with ambiguity, incomplete data, and tight timelines

Preferred

• Experience scaling a startup/scaleup through rapid growth or acquisitionBackground in markets such as AI, automotive, industrial, or data infrastructureMBA or advanced technical degree

Location

We offer a flexible working arrangement, with options to: Work from one of our Axelera AI offices (Leuven in Belgium, Amsterdam and Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Zurich in Switzerland, Florence and Milan in Italy or Bristol in the United Kingdom) if you're already based in the vicinity. Relocate with us and work from Italy (Florence or Milan) or the Netherlands (Amsterdam or Eindhoven).

What Success Looks Like (12–24 Months)

• Predictable product delivery from early customers to volume production
• Strong, trusted relationships with ODM/OEMs, foundries and OSAT partners
• Measurable improvements in product cost and time-to-market
• A scalable operations foundation ready for the next growth phase

What We offer

• Opportunity to build the operations engine from the ground up
• High visibility and direct impact on company success
• Executive ownership in a company transitioning from startup to scale-up
• This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast-growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares.

At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI.