Axelera AI is seeking a Head of Automotive to lead its entry and growth in the automotive AI acceleration market. This cross-functional leadership role will drive ecosystem development, business growth, and product strategy, acting as the company’s focal point for the automotive segment and evolving into leadership of a dedicated automotive business line as the business scales.
What You'll Do
- Build and nurture relationships across the OEM and Tier 1 ecosystem, including semiconductor partners, software vendors, and research institutions.
- Represent Axelera in EU-funded automotive and AI projects, acting as sponsor and ensuring proper execution and alignment with company objectives.
- Drive Axelera’s presence in key automotive industry forums, standards groups, and partnerships.
- Lead the response to RFIs, RFQs, and partnership inquiries from automotive customers.
- Develop marketing and positioning materials to promote Axelera’s technology in the automotive landscape.
- Identify strategic business opportunities and establish pilot programs or joint development activities with key players.
- Produce Market Requirements Documents (MRDs) that capture the evolving needs of the automotive AI acceleration market.
- Collaborate closely with the product and engineering teams to define product features, functional safety requirements (ASIL, ISO 26262), and long-term roadmap alignment.
- Translate customer and ecosystem insights into clear product priorities and differentiation strategies.
What We're Looking For
- 10+ years of experience in the automotive semiconductor, software, or systems industry, with exposure to OEM or Tier 1 programs.
- Strong understanding of automotive electronics architecture, AI/ADAS systems, and functional safety standards (ISO 26262).
- Proven experience managing cross-functional programs spanning business development, engineering, and partnerships.
- Demonstrated success in market entry or ecosystem development for emerging technologies.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across technical and executive audiences.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, capable of building structure and momentum in an emerging business area.
Technical Stack
- AI/ADAS systems
- Functional safety standards (ISO 26262)
- ASIL
- Automotive electronics architecture
Team & Environment
- 220+ employees (including 49+ PhDs)
- World-class team operating remotely from 18 countries and with offices in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, and the Netherlands
Benefits & Compensation
- Flexible working arrangement with options to work from Axelera AI offices in Florence and Milan (Italy), Amsterdam and Eindhoven (Netherlands), Leuven (Belgium), Paris (France), Zurich (Switzerland), or Bristol (UK).
- Option to work fully remotely from any European country (including the UK).
- Option to relocate and work from Amsterdam or Eindhoven (Netherlands), or Bologna, Florence, or Milan (Italy).
- Attractive compensation package including a pension plan.
- Extensive employee insurances.
- Option to get company shares.
- Open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation.
- Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility.
- Equal opportunity and diversity commitment.
- Warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every team member.
Work Mode
- Hybrid work model with flexibility to work from offices in Florence, Italy; Milan, Italy; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Eindhoven, Netherlands; Leuven, Belgium; Paris, France; Zurich, Switzerland; Bristol, United Kingdom; Bologna, Italy; or remotely across European countries (including the UK).
- Flexible working arrangement with office, remote, and relocation options.
Axelera AI wholeheartedly embraces equal opportunity and holds diversity in the highest regard. The company is committed to cultivating a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of the team. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome.
