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Chicago Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

With offices in Boston, New York, Chicago, Menlo Park, Manchester, NH, London and Tokyo we're ... The Japan office represents a startup within Alumni Ventures and is building the firm's presence ...

With offices in Boston, New York, Chicago, Menlo Park, Manchester, NH, London and Tokyo we're ... The Japan office represents a startup within Alumni Ventures and is building the firm's presence ...

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $280K/yr

Zach previously studied computer science and statistics at U Chicago and led software at PEAK6 ... Experience as an early-stage startup engineer or founder. * Experience with TypeScript, React ...

Software Engineer II, AI

San Diego, CA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Preference is for this person to be based in Chicago. We are looking for a Software Engineer to ... You'll work closely with senior engineers, learning firsthand how they build and ship in a startup ...

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Chicago Startup information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$128.1K

$181.1K

How much do chicago startup jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chicago startup in California is $128,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $149,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Chicago startup?

A Chicago startup is a newly established company based in Chicago, typically in the early stages of development and focused on innovation, technology, or unique business models. Startups in Chicago span a wide range of industries, including tech, healthcare, finance, and food services. These companies often seek rapid growth and funding from venture capital or angel investors. Chicago's vibrant ecosystem provides resources like incubators, accelerators, and networking events to help startups succeed. The city's diverse talent pool and supportive community make it an attractive location for entrepreneurs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chicago startup founder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chicago Startup founder, you need a solid understanding of business development, market analysis, and entrepreneurship, often supported by experience in launching ventures or a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, project management software, and basic financial platforms is common. Outstanding networking abilities, resilience, and creative problem-solving make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for navigating the challenges of building a business, attracting investors, and driving growth in a competitive market.

What is the difference between Chicago Startup vs Chicago Business Analyst?

AspectChicago StartupChicago Business Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in business, marketing, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in business, finance, or related areas; certifications like CBAP are common
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, innovative startup setting, often small teamsCorporate or consulting environments, structured workflows
Employer & Industry UsageStartups across tech, e-commerce, and servicesLarge companies, consulting firms, and corporate sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Chicago Startup roles focus on innovation, agility, and often require a mix of business and technical skills. Chicago Business Analysts typically work in structured environments analyzing data and processes to improve business performance. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, startups emphasize adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, whereas business analysts prioritize analytical skills and process improvement.

What is the typical team structure and collaboration style in a Chicago startup environment?

In a Chicago startup, teams are often small and cross-functional, which means employees regularly collaborate across departments such as product, engineering, marketing, and sales. The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with frequent opportunities for team members to contribute ideas and take on responsibilities beyond their job title. Open communication and adaptability are valued, and it’s common to participate in brainstorming sessions, stand-up meetings, and agile workflows. This collaborative atmosphere fosters rapid learning and provides ample opportunities for professional growth and networking within Chicago’s vibrant tech ecosystem.
What are popular job titles related to Chicago Startup jobs in California? For Chicago Startup jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chicago Startup jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Chicago Startup jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chicago Startup jobs? Cities in California with the most Chicago Startup job openings:
Infographic showing various Chicago Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,102 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Senior Finance Manager, Capital Planning & Management

PsiQuantum

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$128K - $174K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

PsiQuantum'smission is to build the first useful quantum computers-machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.

Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.

Our architecture and approachisbased on silicon photonics. Byleveragingthe advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photonsdon'tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

In 2024,PsiQuantumannounced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining-and that now is the time to scale.

PsiQuantumalso develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies-including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical-to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.

Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. Itrepresentsa fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot besolvedany other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clearpathto make it real.

Come join us.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Senior Finance Manager in the FP&A team with experience supporting capital-intensive, advanced hardware businesses in a startup or high-growth environment. This role is ideal for a finance leader who thrives in ambiguity, operates with a proactive, builder mindset, and can establish scalable capital planning processes, controls, and financial discipline while maintaining flexibility as the business evolves.

This individual contributor role partners with Engineering/R&D, Operations, Facilities, IT, and Accounting to provide financial leadership across high-value capital expenditures, complex equipment purchases, and large-scale facility and lab projects.

Role will require candidate to have on-site flexibility to work in Chicago, Illinois offices as situation requires.

Responsibilities:

Capital Planning, Controls & Governance

  • Design and own capital planning frameworks, including approval workflows, funding governance, and prioritization models appropriate for a startup or scaling environment.
  • Establish and continuously improve controls, processes, and structure around capital requests, project approvals, and spend tracking while balancing speed and rigor.
  • Develop capital authorization policies and ensure compliance as the organization grows.

Capital Expenditures & Project Finance

  • Lead FP&A for large-scale capital investments related to semiconductor equipment, advanced computing systems, R&D labs, and specialized facilities.
  • Partner with R&D to evaluate investments in building the world's first useful quantum computer, including tooling, test equipment, cryogenic systems, and supporting infrastructure.
  • Build and maintain robust tracking and scenario models for long-cycle, high-risk technology investments.
  • Own short- and long-range capex forecasting, adjusting plans dynamically as priorities evolve.

Purchase Orders & Spend Tracking

  • Oversee purchase order creation, approvals, and commitment tracking for multi-vendor, long lead-time equipment and construction projects.
  • Implement scalable methods to track committed vs. actual spend, progress payments, and milestone-based billing.
  • Proactively identify risks, overruns, and timing issues and partner with stakeholders on mitigation plans.

Accounting & Financial Close Support

  • Serve as a key finance partner to Accounting on capitalization, depreciation, construction-in-progress (CIP), asset lives, and impairment for advanced hardware and facilities.
  • Ensure appropriate accounting treatment for tooling, wafers, masks, prototypes, pilot lines, lab equipment, cryogenic infrastructure, and specialized software.
  • Support month-end and quarter-end close activities related to fixed assets and project accounting in accordance with US GAAP.

FP&A & Strategic Business Partnership

  • Act as a trusted, hands-on finance partner to leadership in a fast-moving startup environment, providing clear insights despite incomplete data.
  • Translate technically complex project and engineering inputs into executive-ready financial summaries.
  • Balance long-term technology bets with near-term cash management and funding constraints.

Systems, Tools & Process Improvement

  • Leverage NetSuite or comparable ERP and project accounting tools to support high-value capital projects.
  • Lead process improvements and system enhancements for fixed assets, CIP, and project tracking as the organization scales.
  • Build financial infrastructure that can evolve from early-stage to more mature operations.

Experience/Qualifications:

Required

  • 8+ years of experience in FP&A, corporate finance, or capital-focused finance roles.
  • Experience in semiconductor, advanced hardware, electronics, or similarly capital-intensive industries.
  • Strong understanding of capital expenditure accounting, fixed assets, CIP, and long-lived assets.
  • Hands-on experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP systems.
  • Advanced financial modeling and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and drive initiatives forward with limited direction.

Preferred

  • MBA preferred.
  • Experience scaling financial controls and governance alongside rapid organizational growth.

Key Competencies

  • Builder mindset with strong ownership mentality.
  • Comfort with ambiguity and evolving priorities.
  • Proactive problem-solving and bias toward action.
  • Strategic capital allocation and financial rigor.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration with technical teams.
  • Ability to balance flexibility with discipline and control.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located.Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

U.S. Base Pay Range
$155,000—$178,000 USD
Bay Area Pay Range
$195,000—$205,000 USD

The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for Chicago, Illinois, the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto).Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Chicago, Illinois Pay Range
$155,000—$178,000 USD
U.S. Pay Range
$155,000—$178,000 USD