VP Finance

Are you a VP Finance looking to shape strategy at a post-Series A, capital-intensive AI hardware start-up?Founded by world-leading mathematicians and experienced semiconductor operators, the company has developed breakthrough AI chip technology delivering dramatically faster processing with significantly lower energy usage. Backed by a $30m Series A from top deep-tech investors and a strategic manufacturing partnership, the business is entering its next phase of growth at the intersection of semiconductors, secure computing, and next-generation AI infrastructure.In order to make an application, simply read through the following job description and make sure to attach relevant documents.AI Computing Hardware Start-UpUSA RemoteHarmonic is proud to have been retained by a VC backed start-up that is at the frontier of AI chip and semiconductor design and manufacture. This represents a significant leap forward in technology (think Nvidia but specifically for the AI industry) which is addressing one of the most fundamental challenges in modern AI: how to perform computation on highly sensitive data at scale.The RoleThe VP Finance will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's financial strategy during a period of highly capital-intensive R&D and early market engagement.This role goes far beyond traditional FP&A. The VP Finance will act as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, translating complex technical progress into clear financial narratives for investors, board members, and external partners, while building the financial infrastructure required to scale a semiconductor business responsibly.The position offers meaningful exposure at Board level and will be instrumental in preparing the company for future fundraising, major technical milestones and commercialization.Key Responsibilities:Own the development of robust, milestone-driven financial models aligned to hardware R&D phases and technical risk retirementEstablish forecasting and budgeting frameworks suited to capital-intensive engineering environments rather than traditional revenue-led modelsPlay a central role in preparing the business for future capital raises and strategic financing eventsPartner closely with the CEO as a trusted executive advisor on capital allocation, timing of major spend events, and strategic trade-offsBuild KPI frameworks that connect engineering progress, operational execution, and capital efficiencyDesign and manage budgets for advanced research, silicon development, external vendors, and manufacturing partnersProduce short-, mid-, and long-term strategic financial plans tied to key technical and commercial inflection pointsSupport contracting and financial oversight for government, research, or regulated-industry engagementsPrepare detailed Board materials and investor reporting, providing clear insight into progress, risks, and capital outlookAct as a business partner across engineering, operations, and leadership teams, challenging assumptions and improving decision-makingSkillsWhat We're Looking ForBackground in investment banking, corporate finance, VC/PE, or strategic financeSenior finance experience within a capital-intensive hardware technology businessExperience operating in R&D-heavy, technically complex environments (e.g. semiconductors, deeptech, advanced computing, robotics, defense, biotech, climate tech, spacetech, AI)Exceptional financial modelling capabilityComfortable operating as a hands-on finance leader in an early-stage VC environmentExcellent communication skills with the credibility to engage engineers, investors, and board membersHigh level of commercial judgement and intellectual curiosityNice to Have (Non-Essential):Experience in a venture-backed technology company that has raised significant institutional capitalExposure to semiconductor, hardware, or infrastructure-led business modelsExperience supporting government or highly regulated customersTrack record of building finance functions from first principlesPackageCompensation: $220,000 – $300,000 base + bonus + meaningful equity participationLocation: Remote (San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle or Boston preferred)Please get in touch with Fin at for more information.Please feel free to circulate with any friends or contacts that may be interested.At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.Get in touchWe'd love to hear from youWhether you're looking to partner with us on a role you're trying to fill, or you're looking for a new role for yourself, drop us a call or email today. xevrcycFirst nameLast nameEmailPhoneRoleCompanyWhat is your preferred contact method?When would you prefer us to contact you?