L

Lightship RV

Sells all-electric travel trailers with solar

Vice President of Finance

Full-Time
$220k - $240k/yr
Expert
Bachelor's
South San Francisco, CA, USA
In Person
Finance & BankingCorporate Finance & FP&A

About the job

Requirements
  • At least 10 years of progressive finance experience, including significant experience leading a team at a high-growth company.
  • Deep expertise in financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, and cash management at a hardware, manufacturing, or other physical-product company.
  • Hands-on product finance experience at a manufacturing company, including bill of materials management, cost accounting, inventory, cost of goods sold, and margin analysis in a production environment.
  • A track record of building and owning integrated three-statement models for a complex hardware business.
  • Direct oversight of an accounting function, with strong command of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the close process, audits, and internal controls for a scaling organization.
  • A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent experience.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the annual business planning process, translating company-level goals into a robust financial plan; own the integrated company financial model and keep Lightship’s financial forecast accurate in real time.
  • Act as a strategic business partner supporting critical commercial and operational decisions, including pricing, market research, insourcing or outsourcing decisions, and operational process implementation.
  • Manage product costs using a robust financial bill of materials and oversee cost accounting to compare product cost forecasts against actual cost of goods sold; drive margin improvement in partnership with engineering, operations, and supply chain teams.
  • Oversee corporate accounting policy, internal controls, and generally accepted accounting principles compliance with the Director of Accounting; review external audits and final financial statements for board and investor reporting.
  • Manage cash, runway, banking relationships, and working capital, including inventory, supplier terms, and customer deposits.
  • Partner with the co-founders on equity and debt fundraising, including equipment and asset-based financing; own models, data rooms, diligence, and investor reporting.
  • Design and maintain financial controls and scale finance systems, including the enterprise resource planning system; oversee tax, sales tax, and regulatory compliance across states.
  • Present results, key performance indicators, and strategic insight to the executive team and board.
  • Recruit, mentor, and grow a high-performing finance and accounting team, currently comprising four people.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience in electric vehicle, automotive, or other complex hardware manufacturing.
  • Finance leadership at a company that manufactures in-house rather than through a contract manufacturer.
  • Finance leadership experience at a direct-to-consumer company.
  • A background in investment banking, management consulting, private equity, or venture capital.
  • Experience leading a company through multiple equity and debt raises.

About the company

L

Lightship RV

View
cbWebsite

Lightship RV makes all-electric travel trailers for eco-conscious travelers, starting with the Aero Electric L1. The company designs, sells, and ships a fully electric travel trailer that can be towed by a standard vehicle and powered by integrated solar panels and onboard batteries, enabling off-grid living on the road. The battery and solar system provide electricity for the trailer’s appliances and systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels when traveling. Lightship RV sets itself apart by being the first in the United States to offer an all-electric RV, combining sustainability with road travel through a direct-to-consumer sales model and a focus on a niche market of environmentally minded campers. Its goal is to shift the recreational vehicle industry toward lower-carbon, more responsible travel by offering practical, electric-powered options that make road trips greener.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

Series C

Total Funding

$80.1M

Headquarters

Broomfield, Colorado

Founded

2020

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Lightship raised $30 million in 2026, lifting total capital to $90 million.
  • Colorado expansion will more than quadruple capacity by end-2026, supporting faster deliveries.
  • Exedy Drones became PowerSled's first customer, validating commercial demand beyond recreational trailers.

What critics are saying

  • Lightship still ships one vehicle every two weeks, far below its 500-unit target.
  • AE.1's $157,500 price limits demand, forcing premium buyers in a small niche.
  • PowerSled distracts from RV execution; a commercial misstep burns capital before 2026 scale-up.

What makes Lightship RV unique

  • AE.1 combines electric propulsion, batteries, and aerodynamics to cut towing range loss.
  • PowerSled reuses AE.1 technology for commercial mobile power, broadening Lightship beyond RVs.
  • Broomfield manufacturing and 80% U.S. component value give Lightship tighter control than offshore peers.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Wellness Program

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

5%

1 year growth

-1%

2 year growth

3%
Location Managers Guild International
Aug 11th, 2026
Lightship's Solar-Powered Trailer to shine at LMGI Awards.

Lightship's Solar-Powered Trailer to shine at LMGI Awards. From Sunlight to Spotlight: Lightship's Solar-Powered Trailer Shines at the LMGI Awards Lightship, an American electric mobility and energy company and a 2026 LMGI Awards Location Innovator sponsor, will display its PowerSled mobile energy platform at the 13th Annual LMGI Awards on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica, California. Lightship's participation highlights the LMGI Awards' growing focus on innovation, sustainability, and practical technologies that can support location professionals and production teams working in remote, temporary, and infrastructure-constrained environments. Designed to bring power directly to the point of need, PowerSled is a towable mobile energy platform that combines up to 240 kWh of onboard battery storage, solar integration, equipment-carrying capability, and intelligent energy management in a single asset. "Location professionals are constantly balancing creative ambition with logistics, environmental responsibility, and the realities of working in remote or hard-to-access places," said Nancy Haecker, chair of the 2026 LMGI Awards Committee. "PowerSled represents the kind of practical, forward-looking innovation that can help productions rethink how power and equipment are brought to location. We are pleased to welcome Lightship to this year's awards celebration." PowerSled is designed for operations that require dependable power beyond established infrastructure. The platform can support equipment, tools, communications systems, charging needs, production workspaces, and other critical loads while operating without the continuous noise and localized emissions associated with traditional fossil-fuel generators. "Productions need power wherever the work takes them, but that should not automatically mean relying on noisy generators, expensive fuel deliveries, and separate support vehicles," said Toby Kraus, co-founder and CEO of Lightship. "PowerSled brings energy and equipment together in one towable platform, giving crews a quieter, more flexible way to power their work on location. The AE.1 was where we first developed and proved this technology, and PowerSled is how we are extending it into industries where dependable mobile energy can make an immediate difference." By combining mobile power and equipment transportation, PowerSled can also help simplify production logistics. Instead of dedicating separate assets to move equipment and generate electricity, crews can tow a single platform that carries what they need and provides power when it arrives. Lightship began by developing the AE.1, its American-built electric travel trailer. The AE.1 served as the foundation for the company's work in integrated battery systems, rooftop solar, intelligent controls, electric propulsion, and off-grid energy management. The AE.1 will also be on display at the event. The 13th Annual LMGI Awards will celebrate outstanding creative contributions by location professionals across film, television, commercials, and film commissions worldwide. The evening will also honor Emmy(R)-winning filmmaker Vince Gilligan with the Eva Monley Award; the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) with the LMGI Trailblazer Award; the Environmental Media Association (EMA) with the LMGI Humanitarian Award; and Location Manager Mike Fantasia with the LMGI Lifetime Achievement Award. This year's ceremony will recognize outstanding work across multiple categories, including contemporary film, period film, contemporary television, period television, TV anthology, movie or limited series, commercials, and film commissions. Location Manager Nancy Haecker chairs the 2026 LMGI Awards Committee. For more information, contact [email protected]. This year's awards are produced by Erick Weiss, Honeysweet Creative, and IngleDodd Media, and written by Shelly Goldstein. SPONSORS: The LMGI Awards are proudly sponsored by: PRESENTING SPONSOR: Film Santa Monica; PARTY: Fox Studio Lot; LOCATION INNOVATOR: Lightship; TITLE: Film Hawaii; DIAMOND: Ke Kula 'o Kamehameha, Skye Rentals; GOLD: Greater Zion Film Commission, Pacific Production Services, Universal Production Services, Warner Bros. Studios Burbank; SILVER: Albuquerque Film Office, Cinelease, Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS), Film New Mexico, Hollywood Locations, Houston Film Commission, Los Angeles Center Studios, Magic Rentals, Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission, Placer-Lake Tahoe Film Office, Production Security Services, Reel Security & Safety, Reel Waste & Recycling, Riverside County Film Commission, San Antonio Film Commission, Teamsters Local 399, Trilith Studios; BRONZE: California Film Commission, City of Toronto, City of West Hollywood Film Office, Fort Worth Film Commission, Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission, Inland Empire Film Services, On Air Design | Astek, Red Cloud Ranch, Santa Fe Regional Film Commission, The Belasco, The Peppermint Club, The Virginia Film Office, The Wiltern; MEDIA SPONSORS: Deadline, Gold Derby, The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, Variety, SHOOT Magazine | SHOOTonline, The Location Guide, Screen International, and The Wrap.

EVMagz
May 31st, 2026
Lightship launches PowerSled mobile battery platform for off-grid and industrial applications.

Lightship launches PowerSled mobile battery platform for off-grid and industrial applications. Electric Power System Offers Up to 240 kWh of Energy Storage and 38 kW of Vehicle-to-Load Output Discover more EV Charging Stations electric vehicles Lightship has introduced PowerSled, a mobile electric power platform designed to provide energy storage and on-site electricity supply for construction, infrastructure, emergency response and off-grid operations. The company said the system offers up to 240 kWh of usable battery capacity and can deliver 38 kW of continuous vehicle-to-load (V2L) power output, while also serving as a transport platform for equipment and cargo. Based on existing electric trailer technology. PowerSled builds on technology originally developed for Lightship's AE.1 Aero-Electric travel trailer. The platform incorporates the company's TrekDrive propulsion-assist system, which can provide active assistance while being towed, reducing towing-related energy losses. Once deployed at a site, the system functions as a mobile energy storage unit capable of supplying electricity without the noise and emissions associated with conventional generators. According to Lightship, the platform combines cargo transport and energy storage functions into a single unit. Multiple configurations available. The company plans to offer PowerSled in several configurations through partnerships with equipment manufacturers and upfitters. Available formats include: Stripped chassis. Designed for custom builders and specialized equipment installations. Flatbed platform. Configured for transporting tools, pumps, field equipment and other operational assets. Cargo configuration. Intended for enclosed transportation and climate-sensitive payloads. Technical specifications. Lightship said the initial PowerSled specifications include: * Up to 240 kWh of usable battery capacity * 38 kW continuous V2L output at 240 VAC * Payload capacity of 8,700 pounds * Gross vehicle weight rating below 12,000 pounds * IP65-rated components * Standard 7-pin towing connection * Operating temperature range from -7°C to 43°C The company said the system is designed to operate across a variety of environmental conditions and deployment scenarios. First commercial deployment. Lightship has begun delivering units to its first commercial customer, Exedy Drones. The agricultural drone company plans to use PowerSled as a mobile charging and operational support platform for crop monitoring and spraying activities. According to Exedy, the system will support field operations by providing mobile energy access in locations where permanent charging infrastructure may not be available. Executive comments. Ben Parker, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Lightship, said the product extends technology originally developed for recreational applications into commercial markets. "PowerSled is a natural extension of the systems and technologies we originally developed for AE.1," Parker said. "By combining cargo transport and energy storage into a single system, PowerSled can help reduce the need for multiple vehicles and standalone generators at a job site." Scott Binder, vice president of engineering, operations and technology at Exedy Drones, said the system offers an alternative to conventional mobile power solutions. "For end users, it means all-day power without the constant noise, exhaust fumes, or compromises that have historically come with mobile energy," Binder said. Manufacturing expansion supports growth. The launch follows a recent expansion of Lightship's manufacturing operations in Colorado. The company said the facility expansion is expected to increase production capacity by more than four times by the end of 2026 and support both consumer and commercial product lines. Lightship said PowerSled is available for order, with initial deployments already underway as the company expands into commercial energy storage and mobile power applications.

RVBusiness
May 29th, 2026
Lightship's powersled a 'new class of mobile electric power'

Lightship's powersled a 'new class of mobile electric power' BROOMFIELD, Colo. - Lightship, the American electric mobility and mobile energy infrastructure company, unveiled PowerSled, launching a new commercial business focused on electric mobile power systems for infrastructure, emergency response, construction, and off-grid applications, according to a release. Built with the same mobile power and TrekDrive propulsion-assist technology already proven through thousands of miles of real-world operation in the Lightship AE.1, PowerSled extends Lightship's electric towing and energy management capabilities into a new class of configurable commercial mobile power solutions, designed to address growing demand for deployable, zero-emission mobile battery storage. Unlike conventional towable generators or battery trailers, PowerSled is designed to carry payloads of up to 8,700 pounds while delivering energy at the job site, and improving efficiency in transit. By actively assisting the tow vehicle, the platform reduces towing inefficiencies while enabling silent operation at deployment sites. Lightship has secured an initial customer and begun delivering to agricultural drone manufacturer Exedy Drones, which plans to use the PowerSled platform as a mobile charging and field operations hub for drone-based crop monitoring and spraying applications. "PowerSled is a natural extension of the systems and technologies we originally developed for AE.1, " said Ben Parker, co-founder and chief commercial officer at Lightship. "What began as a platform for electric towing and off-grid travel evolved into an opportunity to rethink how mobile power is deployed across commercial environments. By combining cargo transport and energy storage into a single system, PowerSled can help reduce the need for multiple vehicles and standalone generators at a job site. As more industries electrify fleets and field operations, combined with state incentive programs, we see strong potential for a more flexible and efficient approach to mobile power infrastructure." Lightship is developing partnerships to offer the PowerSled in multiple configurations, including: * Stripped chassis configuration for custom upfitters and builders * Flatbed platform for tools, pumps, equipment, and field operations * Cargo configuration for enclosed or climate-sensitive payloads All configurations share the same underlying battery architecture and TrekDrive propulsion assist system. Initial platform specifications include: * Up to 240 kWh usable high-voltage battery capacity * Continuous 38 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) power output at 240VAC * Under 12,000 lbs GVWR capability * 8,700 lbs payload capacity * IP65-rated components for demanding operating environments * Standard 7-pin tow vehicle connection * Operating temperature range from -7°C to 43°C "PowerSled represents a new era of charging capability for American fleets, delivering greater performance, flexibility, and operational advantages compared to traditional charging setups," said Scott Binder, Vice President of Engineering, Operations, and Technology at Exedy. "For end users, it means all-day power without the constant noise, exhaust fumes, or compromises that have historically come with mobile energy. It is a cleaner, quieter, and more capable solution built to support how modern fleets, like ours, operate." The launch of PowerSled follows Lightship's recently announced Colorado manufacturing expansion, which will more than quadruple the company's production capacity by the end of 2026 and support the continued scaling of both its consumer and commercial platform offerings. PowerSled orders open today at powersled.com, with deployments already underway. About Lightship Founded in 2020, Lightship is building the future of electric mobility and mobile energy infrastructure through advanced technology, design-forward products, and a bold vision for how energy and transportation converge. The company's Aero-Electric travel trailers combine aerodynamic engineering, intelligent power systems, and premium craftsmanship to deliver a smarter, more capable way to explore, while the new commercial division is delivering platforms like PowerSled, extending Lightship's technology into infrastructure, emergency response, and off-grid applications. As America's first all-electric RV manufacturer, Lightship is helping drive the transition to cleaner transportation and more flexible energy systems. Based in San Francisco and Broomfield, Colorado, Lightship designs and builds its products in the U.S. and sells directly to consumers at lightshiprv.com.

BusinessDen
Apr 24th, 2026
Broomfield electric RV maker Lightship raises $30M, doubles production plant

Lightship, a Broomfield-based electric RV manufacturer, has raised $30 million in an extension to its 2024 funding round, bringing total capital raised to $90 million. The company will use the funds to more than double its production facility from 32,000 to 76,000 square feet by year-end. Founded in 2021 by Toby Kraus and Ben Parker, Lightship says it's the only manufacturer of non-plug-in or propane-powered trailer homes. The expanded facility will enable production of 500 units annually, priced at $157,500 each, though full capacity will take several years to achieve. The company currently produces one vehicle every two weeks and has delivered a dozen units since shipping began last year. Lightship employs 130 people, up from 50 last year, with plans to add 40 manufacturing staff.

electrive
Apr 15th, 2026
Lightship expands US facility for electric caravans.

Lightship expands US facility for electric caravans. US-based electric RV manufacturer Lightship has announced an expansion of its Colorado production facility to quadruple manufacturing capacity. Additionally, key changes have been made to the electric RV's configuration options. By Sebastian Schaal 15.04.2026 - 15:00 Lightship is expanding its existing 3,000-square-metre facility by around 4,100 square metres. Construction is already underway, and operations in the expanded premises are set to begin this summer, bringing the total space to over 7,000 square metres. According to the company, the expansion will more than quadruple its current production capacity by the end of 2026. The project is also expected to create new jobs. "This expansion is a defining moment for Lightship," says Toby Kraus, CEO and Co-Founder of Lightship. "At a time when many companies in this category are outsourcing their production and supply chain overseas, we're doubling down on our commitment to American manufacturing, accelerating innovation and creating high-skill jobs in a region emerging as a hub for next-generation mobility." Production of the AE.1 has been underway since summer 2025, as previously reported. The core idea behind the battery-electric caravan is that when the trailer is equipped with its own electric drive and a large battery, the additional energy consumption caused by towing is significantly reduced. For electric tow vehicles, range has previously been severely impacted by the weight and aerodynamic drag of the caravan. Lightship, a company founded by two former Tesla employees, aims to minimise these limitations with the electric drive integrated into the caravan. Lightship previously offered the AE.1 in various configurations, differing in battery size (44 to 77 kWh), the power of the integrated solar system (840 to 1,800 watts), and other equipment details. Alongside the production expansion, Lightship is now introducing an optimised configuration for the AE.1 with an adjusted starting price of $157,500. Instead of multiple variants, the new approach focuses on a single configurable model. The 77 kWh battery, previously only available in the top-tier 'Atmos' package priced at $184,000, is now included as standard in all AE.1 vehicles. The 44 kWh battery from the former 'Panos' model (starting at $151,000) is no longer offered. As a result, the new AE.1 model with the 77 kWh battery is only slightly more expensive than the previous 44 kWh version. The restructuring of the model range is easily explained: "More than ninety percent of our customers have chosen the 77 kWh battery. This new lineup makes this popular feature more accessible," says Ben Parker, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Lightship, alongside Kraus. "We are also adding options to give customers the flexibility to tailor the product for home backup, extended travel, short-term rental use, and full-time living." 0 comments. about "Lightship expands US facility for electric caravans" Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *