About the role
At Lace, we build chip lithography technology that will enable the next 100 years of chip manufacturing. Founded in 2023, we’re based in Bergen (Norway), Barcelona (Spain) and Eindhoven (Netherlands), and backed by some of the world’s most ambitious investors. As a Technical Project Manager, you will be the operational engine driving our transition from groundbreaking physics prototypes to industrial-grade manufacturing systems. You will lead elite, cross-functional teams across Norway, Spain, and the Netherlands as we sprint toward our next significant milestones. Role and
Responsibilities In an early-to-mid-stage deep-tech environment, your role spans both high-level roadmap execution and hands-on problem solving. Lab-to-Fab Industrialization: Own the project lifecycle for transforming research into robust, scalable, and highly reliable commercial tool modules. Cross-Disciplinary Orchestration: Bridge the gap between ultra-specialized disciplines, aligning quantum physicists (working on atom optics and vacuum systems) with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers. Algorithm Integration: Manage the software workstreams responsible for scaling our proprietary, AI-driven mask design algorithms—the computational core that makes atom-beam lithography mathematically viable. Pilot Fab Collaboration: Act as a key technical interface with research institutes and early-adopter foundries to validate prototype performance. Agile Startup Execution: Build and maintain flexible project timelines. You will manage resources dynamically to meet aggressive milestones backed by top-tier venture capital. Education and Experience Education: Master’s or PhD in Physics, Nanotechnology, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related deep-tech discipline. (A strong technical baseline is mandatory to understand our core technology). Experience: 3 to 5+ years of project leadership experience within a high-tech R&D, aerospace, or semiconductor environment. Proven track record of taking complex hardware or software from the "proof-of-concept" phase to pilot production. Experience working in the semiconductor industry is highly valued. Preferred Knowledge: Exposure to ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, particle/atom optics, or advanced lithographic masking techniques. Core Skills and Competencies Deep Tech Fluency: You must be able to "hold your own" in a room full of PhD physicists specializing in molecular-beam lithography, quickly translating abstract physics constraints into concrete engineering tasks. Thriving in Ambiguity: Unlike mature corporate environments, there is no legacy playbook here. You need a high tolerance for shifting priorities and the ability to build structure out of chaos. High-Impact Communication: Exceptional ability to synthesize highly complex quantum mechanics and engineering bottlenecks into clear, data-driven updates for executive leadership and international investors. Resourcefulness: A hacker-meets-engineer mindset. You know how to unblock a team and hit deadlines using creative problem-solving rather than throwing massive corporate budgets at a problem. Work Environment Note: This role involves collaborating with international hubs in Bergen (Norway), Barcelona (Spain), and Eindhoven (Netherlands). Flexibility for occasional travel to partner foundries and research labs is required. Our team here at Lace: …consists of amazing people who’ve joined us from all over the world, driven by intense curiosity, the urge for exploration, and a desire to push the limits of physics. We promise to offer you a place among highly motivated Lacers, present you with extremely difficult problems—and have a lot of fun solving them. Workplace & culture: Lace operates out of two beautiful, vibrant, and strong-willed cities. Although we are cities apart, we strive to make
