R&D Program Manager Optical IO

Imec

Leuven, Belgium

Building on our drive for continuous improvement and innovation, we are looking for a Program Manager to join our Project Management Office (PMO). In this role, you will oversee multiple optical I/O projects and lead a Project Management team primarily focused on optical I/O and RF research. A relevant technical background is essential.

As Program Manager, you are accountable for delivering your projects within the defined scope, timeline, and budget, while maximizing value creation. Your goal will be to demonstrate new technologies in agreement with the R&D program director strategy. You apply structured project management methodologies and verification techniques to track progress, manage risks, and address issues. You use appropriate tools and systems to measure performance, ensuring that each project meets its intended objectives.

You are responsible for the technical and operational leadership of your team. You foster collaboration, encourage innovation, and ensure effective communication within the team and across functions. You represent your cluster of projects to key stakeholders and work closely with strategy and portfolio managers/directors to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential in this role.

In collaboration with project and operational managers, you monitor the overall performance, resource allocation, and progress of your project cluster. You ensure adherence to agreed boundaries, proactively manage changes, and drive acceleration when necessary. You escalate critical issues or roadblocks appropriately and contribute to solution finding within the organization.

As a member of our sector PMO team, you contribute to the development, deployment, and governance of best practices to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of project and project-portfolio management. You share management knowledge and learnings with your peers, extend your expertise, and mentor and coach others. You act as a constructive team member and actively participate in imec’s project management community.

You engage with industrial partners to communicate key results, address risks, and align project expectations. You organize and lead sessions during imec’s recurring Partner Technical Week reviews and support your program director in presenting project outcomes to partners during business trips.

You stay informed about industry trends and imec's positioning in optical OI. You are dedicated to continuously improving both the quality and speed of our innovation. You contribute fresh ideas and support their implementation.

Who you are

• You hold a PhD or MSc in microelectronics, electrical engineering, physics, applied physics, material science, or equivalent.
• You have 5+ years of working experience in 300mm process integration (preferably on photonics). You are passionate about technology and can quickly grasp the essence of technical discussions.
• You have 3+ years in a coordinating role. You have experience in R&D project management, leading and following up on projects with multiple partners in a structured and methodological way. You enjoy supporting teams in reaching their objectives.
• You have a strong drive and operational acumen, along with solid organizational skills, including attention to detail and multi-tasking abilities.
• You are an enthusiastic team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills and are fluent in English. You are diplomatic and able to easily interact with management, researchers, and administrative staff.
• You have a positive mindset and an “always improving” mentality.
• You are willing to work in a dynamic, collaborative and multicultural environment.