VP Controller | Rapid AI Energy Start-Up Series | LA

VP Controller | Rapid Growth Energy Start-Up ($130m Series A) | LA
The Client

Harmonic are proud to have been retained by a rapidly scaling VC-backed clean energy company at the forefront of next-generation nuclear technology. The business has recently completed a $150m Series A and is transitioning from R&D into power generation in 2026.

Having raised with three of world’s leading Deeptech/ Hardtech VC investors they have achieved technical milestones far faster than competitors and at a fraction of the capital raised.

They are tackling one of the most consequential challenges facing the global economy: how to deliver reliable, carbon-free power at the scale required to support electrification, AI-driven compute demand, industrial reshoring, and national security. Their technology is focused on fundamentally rethinking how nuclear systems are designed, built, and deployed by prioritizing manufacturability, speed, and cost reduction without compromising safety.

The company is led by an exceptionally high-caliber founding and executive team, combining deep nuclear engineering expertise with operators who have scaled some of the biggest Clean Energy, Deeptech and Spacetech success stories.

The business is entering a critical phase of growth as they build out the corporate and operational foundations alongside the rapidly developing technical programs. Following the recent hire of an exceptional CFO with experience raising billions in capital they are looking to hire a VP Controller that will own the build out of the entire Controllership function covering Accounting, Controls, Tax, Treasury, Cost Accounting and Government Accounting.

Establishing a world class Controllership function implementing international processes to an IPO read level the VP Controller will be key to shaping the business during a rapid growth phase.

This position really is a true blank slate as the business is set to scale incredibly quickly. The VP Controller will build a team from the ground up and support the setup of international entities and manufacturing operations

• Establish the global accounting function from the ground up, designing scalable processes and controls suitable for a high-growth, multi-entity manufacturing business.
• Develop and implement a robust cost accounting framework to support complex manufacturing operations, product costing, and margin analysis.
• Lead the setup and integration of international entities, managing cross-border accounting, statutory reporting, and consolidation under US GAAP.
• Partner with external advisors for country-specific tax, regulatory, and accounting guidance; ensure global compliance and efficient tax structuring.
• Build and manage the full month-end close process to IPO-ready standards, including internal controls, financial reporting, and audit preparation.
• Provide technical accounting oversight and implement new guidance as the company evolves through R&D, production, and commercialization stages.
• Oversee government accounting compliance, including adherence to federal contracting standards and audit requirements.
• Lead the selection and implementation of a global ERP system, ensuring seamless integration across functions and geographies.
• Recruit, mentor, and scale a high-performing accounting and finance team capable of supporting a complex international manufacturing footprint.

• Experience establishing or running a complex international accounting function in a Tech business (this can include AI, Deeptech, Manufacturing, Robotics, Defense, Biotech, Climate Tech and Green Energy, SaaS, Fintech)
• Deep understanding of manufacturing and cost accounting
• Significant international Controllership experience
• High level of commercial acumen

• Experience dealing with government contracts
• Experience in R&D heavy environments that have transitioned to large scale manufacturing
• Experience in a high growth VC or PE backed environment
• Built and established large international Accounting teams
• Established new ERP processes or led significant Finance transformation

$250,000 to $350,000 + share options

ASAP

LA (ideally in office but option for hybrid)