Logistics & Trade Compliance Specialist (freelance/contractor; 6-month engagement)

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 three years, we have raised a total of $120 million and have built a world-class team of 180+ employees (including 55+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 11 different countries and with offices in Belgium, 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

We are seeking an experienced Logistics & Trade Compliance Specialist for a 6-month collaboration to optimize our logistics operations and trade compliance framework. Operating in a fast-paced, international environment, you will play a critical role in designing the logistics footprint and ensuring seamless delivery to our customers. This position demands a strategic mindset, strong execution, and the ability to manage risk effectively in a dynamic supply chain landscape.

Key responsibilities:

• Logistics Infrastructure & Optimization
  Design and implement Axelera AI’s global logistics footprint, collaborating cross-functionally to align systems, optimize warehousing, transportation, and ensure operational efficiency.

• Performance Management
  Define and monitor key logistics KPIs, assess operations against benchmarks, and take corrective actions to drive continuous performance improvements.

• Trade Compliance & Regulatory Alignment
  Develop and maintain trade compliance protocols, ensure adherence to international regulations, and act as the primary liaison with customs and regulatory bodies.

• Import/Export Management
  Oversee all import/export processes, including documentation, customs requirements, and issue resolution to ensure smooth cross-border logistics.

• Risk & Contingency Planning
  Conduct risk assessments across logistics functions and implement mitigation strategies and contingency plans to ensure business continuity.

• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
  Lead initiatives to streamline logistics and compliance operations, introducing scalable improvements that increase agility, efficiency, and reliability.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience (5+ years) in logistics and trade compliance, preferably in the semiconductor or electronics industry

• Demonstrated success in building and/or scaling logistics operations in a global environment

• Strong experience managing third-party logistics providers and value-added warehouses

• Skilled in resolving insource vs. outsource challenges

• Deep understanding of international import/export laws and trade compliance regulations

• Thrives in a high-pressure, fast-moving environment with a proactive, hands-on approach

• Committed to customer satisfaction and operational excellence

• Strong communicator, both written and verbal

• Motivated by impact and business growth

• Fluent in English

• Available to work in a hybrid mode from our Eindhoven office 1-3 times a week (Mondays on-site, free lunch included!), 40 hours per week, and eligible to invoice as an independent contractor in the NL.

This is a 6-month full time freelance/contractor position, with the potential to extend the contract or transition to a permanent role upon the agreement from both sides.

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.