Technical Chief of Staff to the CEO Location: Santa Clara, CA Reports to: CEO The Role We're looking for a Technical Chief of Staff to the CEO - a high-leverage operator who can bridge deep technical context and company-level execution. This is not a coordination role. You will act as an extension of the CEO - driving critical initiatives, diving into technical and product discussions, unblocking teams, and helping the company scale from early traction to repeatable execution. You will wear multiple hats across strategy, product, engineering alignment, operations, and customer-facing initiatives, depending on what the business needs most. What You'll Do Drive CEO Priorities 1 Execution Translate CEO vision into clear, actionable plans with measurable outcomes Own and drive company-wide priorities (OKRs, roadmap alignment, key deliverables) Operate as a force multiplier, ensuring decisions turn into execution quickly Own High-Impact, 01 Initiatives Lead ambiguous, cross-functional efforts such as: Launching a new IP product or platform Entering a new market (e.g., AI accelerators, automotive) Strategic customer engagements or lighthouse deals Define scope, align stakeholders, and personally drive execution Technical + Product Alignment Work closely with engineering and product teams to ensure: Roadmaps are technically sound and commercially aligned Trade-offs (PPA, schedule, features) are understood and surfaced Jump into technical discussions when needed - from SoC architecture to IP integration challenges Operational Backbone Build lightweight processes that scale (without adding bureaucracy) Drive cadence for: Exec reviews Engineering/program reviews Customer milestones and deliverables Identify bottlenecks early and personally unblock them Customer & Ecosystem Engagement Support CEO in strategic interactions with: Key customers (hyperscalers, semiconductor companies) Foundry and EDA partners Help translate technical value into clear business narratives Company Building Help define how the company operates as it scales: Org structure evolution Decision-making frameworks Internal communication systems Act as a cultural carrier for high ownership, speed, and accountability What We're Looking For Core Profile 7-15+ years in semiconductor, silicon IP, or SoC development Strong technical grounding in: SoC architecture / IP design ASIC development lifecycle Semiconductor IP business model (licensing + royalties) Proven ability to drive execution in ambiguous, fast-moving environments Startup Mindset Comfortable wearing multiple hats - from strategy to execution Bias for action: you don't wait for structure, you create it Willing to go deep when needed (technical, product, or operational) High ownership - you treat company priorities as your own Experience (one or more) Early-stage startup experience (highly preferred) Technical program management for complex silicon programs Product management for semiconductor/IP products Engineering/architecture background Consulting + deep semiconductor expertise Key Skills Exceptional problem-solving and structured thinking Strong communicator - can simplify complex technical topics for any audience Ability to influence senior leaders without formal authority Comfort operating with incomplete information and tight timelines Nice to Have Experience with RISC-V, Fabric, NoC IP, chiplets, or advanced nodes Exposure to IP licensing deals or strategic partnerships Prior Chief of Staff or founder's office experience Why This Role is Unique Operate as a true extension of the CEO in a highly technical startup Massive scope: from chip architecture discussions to company strategy Direct impact on company trajectory, product success, and key deals Opportunity to grow into VP-level leadership or a key executive role Compensation: 3 Salary commensurate with experience 3 Performance incentives 3 Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits 3 401(k) retirement plan 3 Equity