Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale operations for a groundbreaking AI semiconductor company.
- Company: Join Axelera AI, a pioneering deep-tech startup transforming the future of AI.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and potential company shares.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing company with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in semiconductor operations and proven leadership skills.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and creativity in a collaborative, inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
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. 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, 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 volume production
- Design and implement operational processes, systems, and KPIs suitable for rapid growth
- Lead NPI, qualification, ramp, and sustaining production across multiple products and customers
- Balance speed, cost, and quality in a resource-constrained environment
- Supply Chain & Manufacturing
- Own all external manufacturing: foundries, OSATs, test partners, and logistics providers
- Drive production planning, demand forecasting, and capacity management
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks early (capacity, yield, lead times, geopolitical exposure)
- Develop alternate sourcing and contingency plans as the company scales
- Foundry & Partner Leadership
- Build strategic, senior-level relationships with foundries and OSAT partners
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, capacity commitments, and escalation paths
- Advocate for the company internally with partners despite early-stage volume constraints
- Quality & Yield Excellence
- Establish quality, reliability, and failure analysis frameworks appropriate for startup scale
- Lead yield learning, root cause analysis, and corrective actions from first silicon onward
- Ensure customer quality requirements and certifications are met as the business grows
- Cross-Functional Execution
- Work closely with Engineering on DFM/DFT, process selection, and yield improvement
- Partner with Product and Sales to align customer commitments with operational reality
- Collaborate with Finance on cost modeling, cash planning, and gross margin improvement
- Team & Culture
- Build, lead, and mentor a lean, high-impact operations and supply chain team
- Set a culture of ownership, urgency, transparency, and continuous improvement
- Roll up sleeves when needed — no task is “too small” at this stage
Qualifications:
Required
- 12+ years of experience in semiconductor operations, manufacturing, or supply chain
- Strong background in fabless semiconductor companies, preferably at startup or scale-up stage
- Proven experience taking products from tape-out to volume production
- Deep knowledge of wafer fabrication, packaging, test, and yield optimization
- Track record of building processes and teams from the ground up
- Ability to operate effectively with ambiguity, incomplete data, and tight timelines
Preferred
- Experience scaling a startup through rapid growth or acquisition
- Exposure to advanced nodes and/or complex packaging
- Background in markets such as AI, automotive, industrial, or data infrastructure
- MBA 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 are already based in the vicinity.
- Work fully remotely from any European country (incl. the UK) you are already in.
- Relocate with us and work from Italy (Florence or Milan) or the Netherlands (Amsterdam or Eindhoven).
What Success Looks Like (12–24 Months)
- Predictable silicon delivery from early customers to volume production
- Strong, trusted relationships with foundries and OSAT partners
- Measurable improvements in yield, cost, and cycle time
- 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. An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team. 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.
Vice President of Operations employer: Axelera AI
Contact Detail:
Axelera AI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice President of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Axelera AI. Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their Metis™ AI Platform and how it impacts operations. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in scaling operations and managing supply chains.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on leadership style! In your conversations, highlight examples where you've rolled up your sleeves to solve problems. This is key for a role that requires transforming prototypes into high-volume production.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Axelera AI team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice President of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Vice President of Operations role. Highlight your experience in semiconductor operations and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to build and scale operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for Axelera AI. Share your passion for innovation and how your background aligns with our mission to advance humanity through AI.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership experience. We want to see how you've built and mentored teams in fast-paced environments, especially in the semiconductor industry.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Axelera AI.
How to prepare for a job interview at Axelera AI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of semiconductor operations and the fabless model. Brush up on your knowledge about wafer fabrication, packaging, and yield optimisation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the industry but are also ready to take on the challenges of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Vice President of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build and lead teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully scaled operations in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlight your experience in mentoring and fostering a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in ambiguous situations. Think of specific instances where you had to make tough decisions with limited data or tight timelines. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you balanced speed, cost, and quality under pressure.
✨Understand Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Axelera AI's mission and their Metis™ AI Platform. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of advancing humanity through technology. Showing that you resonate with their vision will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their success.