Head of Automotive

Head of Automotive at Axelera AI Axelera AI is a next-generation AI platform made to help advance humanity. In three years we raised $120M and built a team of 180+ employees with 55+ PhDs. Our Metis™ AI Platform boosts efficiency and performance 3–5×. Position Overview We seek a Head of Automotive to lead our entry and growth in the automotive AI acceleration market. This cross‑functional leadership role combines ecosystem development, business growth, and product strategy. The successful candidate will be the company’s focal point for the automotive segment, defining positioning, driving customer engagements, and ensuring technology and roadmap align with automotive market needs—including functional safety and reliability requirements. As the business scales, this role will evolve into the leadership of a dedicated automotive business line. Key Responsibilities Build and nurture relationships across the OEM, Tier 1, semiconductor, software and research ecosystem. Represent Axelera in EU‑funded automotive and AI projects, acting as sponsor and ensuring alignment with company objectives. Drive presence in automotive industry forums, standards groups and partnerships. Lead responses to RFIs, RFQs and partnership inquiries from automotive customers. Develop marketing and positioning materials to promote Axelera’s technology. Identify strategic business opportunities and establish pilot or joint development programs with key players. Produce Market Requirements Documents (MRDs) that capture evolving needs of the automotive AI acceleration market. Collaborate with product and engineering teams to define features, functional safety requirements (ASIL, ISO 26262) and long‑term roadmap alignment. Translate customer and ecosystem insights into clear product priorities and differentiation strategies. Qualifications 10+ years in 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. Location & Work Arrangement Flexible: work from one of our Axelera AI offices (Florence, Milan, Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Leuven, Paris, Zurich or Bristol) if already in the vicinity. Fully remote from any European country (incl. the UK) where you are based. Relocate with us to Amsterdam or Eindhoven in the Netherlands, or Bologna, Florence or Milan in Italy. What We Offer This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast‑growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, comprehensive employee insurance and the option to receive company shares. An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility characterize how 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr