At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Silicon Product Engineering and Bristol Lab functions through NPI into volume production.
- Company: Axelera AI is a pioneering deep-tech startup with a world-class team of over 220 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy working in a dynamic environment with a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million.
- Other info: Headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
- Why this job: Join a company committed to innovation and advancing humanity through AI technology.
- Qualifications: Director-level experience with a technical background in NPI and OSAT decision-making required.
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?
The Opportunity
As Director of Silicon Product Engineering, you will lead the Silicon Product Engineering and Bristol Lab functions through NPI and into volume production, with the NPI Engineering Manager and Lab Manager reporting to you. You will be the senior interface between these teams and the executive, owning departmental budgets, headcount and resourcing decisions, and the OSAT and partner choices that shape each new program. You will report to the executive team and partner closely with Design, Engineering, Sales, and our external manufacturing ecosystem. You will set the direction for Silicon Product Engineering and test, oversee the Bristol Lab, and build the organisational muscle to scale across multiple concurrent chip programs as the business grows. This is a director‑level management role: it calls for a leader with the technical background to make sound NPI and OSAT decisions and earn the respect of senior engineers, paired with the commercial and organisational judgement to manage budgets, resourcing, and the day‑to‑day running of two technical departments.
Key Responsibilities
- Silicon Product Strategy
Director - Silicon Product & Test Engineering employer: Axelera AI
Axelera AI offers a unique opportunity to work on next-generation AI platforms. Located in Eindhoven, Netherlands, the company boasts a diverse team from 18 countries and has raised $370 million. Join a mission-driven organisation focused on innovation and efficiency in AI technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Silicon Product & Test Engineering
✨Get Involved in Tech Transfer Events
Tech transfer is all about networking, so make sure you're attending industry conferences and seminars related to technology commercialization. Events like the AUTM Annual Meeting or local innovation workshops are clutch for meeting key players and learning what's trending—plus, you might just bump into someone from Axelera AI!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio can really make you stand out. Highlight any projects where you successfully brought a technology to market or improved a process. Sharing case studies or insights on platforms like LinkedIn can catch the eye of recruiters at Axelera AI, showing them you’ve got the chops for the job.
✨Leverage University Connections
Many universities have strong tech transfer offices—connect with them! They often have ties to industry and can help you get your foot in the door. Plus, you might find openings or internship opportunities that lead to this full-time role at places like Axelera AI.
✨Engage with Online Communities
Join forums or online communities focused on tech transfer and commercialization. Platforms like ResearchGate or industry-specific Slack channels are great for connecting with professionals, discussing trends, and possibly learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Remember, your next opportunity could be just a message away!
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Silicon Product & Test Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Transfer Know-How:In the tech transfer and commercialization world, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of intellectual property, patents, and market analysis. Make sure your CV includes relevant projects or experiences where you successfully navigated these areas. Any certifications in commercialisation would also give you a serious edge!
Tailor Your Documents for the Role:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the position at Axelera AI, but also your knowledge of current trends in technology-transfer. Discuss specific cases where you've contributed to commercialising innovations or enhancing research outcomes—this will show you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on!
Quantify Your Achievements:In this field, numbers count! Whether it's successful licensing deals, funding acquired for projects, or percentage increases in collaboration outcomes, include these metrics in your CV. They not only make your accomplishments more tangible but also demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Business Acumen:Understanding the business side is just as crucial as the tech side! When writing your application, weave in examples that illustrate your strategic thinking and your role in negotiations or partnerships. This balance of skills is what will set you apart for a full-time role at Axelera AI.
How to prepare for a job interview at Axelera AI
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Knowledge
Brush up on key technologies and trends in technology transfer and commercialization. Be ready to showcase your understanding of licensing agreements and the innovation lifecycle, as well as any specific tools or software used in the field.
✨Show Your Business Acumen
This role isn't just about tech; it's also about understanding the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach bringing a technology to market, including strategies for assessing commercial viability and potential partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you'd approach real-world challenges in technology transfer, like negotiating a deal or handling stakeholder concerns—this can help us get a sense of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in scenarios that involved tech developers and business strategists coming together.
