Lace is seeking an experienced and dynamic Technical Project Manager (TPM) to join our Hardware team. This role will be critical in planning, driving, and managing our hardware projects in Bergen, contributing both as a project manager and hands-on when needed.
The ideal candidate will have experience in technical project management, with a background in hardware development or scientific instrumentation. The TPM will work closely with the Head of Hardware to ensure project milestones are met, infrastructure is properly established, and cross-functional teams are aligned.
This is a key role in managing the operational success of our hardware initiatives, combining project leadership with practical lab management duties.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
This list is not all inclusive. Additional duties will be assigned as needed.

• Work with the Head of Hardware and the team leads in defining quarterly goals and tracking Lace’s progress towards them. You will be responsible together with our Head of Hardware for meeting the Hardware goals of the company.
• As we are still a small team, the TPM will be expected to contribute hands-on to set up & operate the instrumentation in our lab and facilities.
• Liaison with contractors and making sure that infrastructure is set up in time and according to agreements.
• Develop and maintain a detailed Project Plan (activities, schedule, cost, resources, partners) in alignment with Lace’s hardware development life cycle.
• Takes hands-on responsibility in dealing with suppliers and keeping a well-maintained and clean lab.
• Drives overall project schedule; Address schedule conflicts with cross-functional teams; Maintain schedule alignment and dependencies across all key stakeholders.
• Report to the Head of Hardware. Communicate with team leads and CTO and provide regular updates on project progress, risks, and strategic impact to senior leadership.
• Develop strong understanding of the product technology and interdependencies to competently drive project activities and communication.
• Work across engineering teams (hardware design, algorithm design, software design, etc.) to manage technical effort and design integration.
• Proactively manage project risks with the technical team by developing and maintaining plans to reduce risks; Manage scope changes; Investigate issues and implement solutions with a sense of urgency.
• Communicate with the Design and Systems engineering team in the company to ensure that future planned hardware projects have the right time & resource allocation on the hardware side.
• Take responsibility for Health and Safety within the hardware activities of Lace.
• Track project costs and ensure projects are managed within budget.
• Engage with the team to maintain alignment with project priorities, goals, and key milestones; Ensure adequate visibility, communication, and feedback.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• The Technical Project Manager has working knowledge of hardware design and development - ideally R&D hardware within the semiconductor or ultra-high vacuum space. She or He is experienced in planning development activities and managing resources and schedules. The Technical Project Manager is expected to drive the technical team toward meeting project goals while staying on schedule and on budget.
• In addition, the TPM must have hands-on experience in a hardware environment and with setting up and operating lab equipment.
• The Technical Project Manager must be able to solve complex project problems where analysis of technical data and systems, project constraints, budget constraints and interpersonal relationships are required. The Technical Project Manager effectively applies project management and planning skills to manage risk, identify critical paths to develop and drive long term plans to meet deadlines and goals. They will be able to communicate effectively and deliver updates on progress and plans to management and the wider Lace team.
• This person may act as primary contact on various projects and interact with all levels of internal and external personnel. The Technical Project Manager understands that mistakes at this level have increased significance, causing rescheduling or adjustments and is expected to escalate problems to the appropriate stakeholders before or as soon as they arise, as well as make recommendations and develop plans of action.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• MS degree in Science/Engineering or related field required. (BS + relevant experience optionally)
• Industry experience working on managing technical projects
• Industry experience or in a research lab setting up and operating complex instrumentation
• Experience in communicating with and working across diverse teams to deliver common project goals
• Experience in vacuum or ultra-high-vacuum equipment
• Competencies: Team player, persistence/resilience, pro-active with sense of urgency, quick learner, growth mindset.
• Experience developing hardware (optical, electrical, mechanical, scientific)

COMPENSATION

• Competitive salary according to your experience and skillset
• Offer to participate in the Employees Stock Options Program
• Top tier mac work station
• €50 monthly gym membership
• Travelling budget to visit our other locations (Barcelona (ES) / York (UK))

If you are interested in this offer, simply apply through linkedin or send an email to careers@lacelithography.com

ABOUT LACE
At Lace, we are on a mission to achieve something really, really small. We work on a chip lithography technology to enable the next 100 years of chip manufacturing. The company was founded in 2023 with offices in Bergen (Norway) and Barcelona (Spain). The team consists of world-class physics and engineering talents, who have joined the company from all over the world. In addition, the company is supported by some of the world's most ambitious investors, R&D institutions and the European Innovation Council.