Project Manager R&D

Important: We have two separate Project Manager openings. one general and one R&D-focused. Please read the descriptions carefully and apply only to the one that best fits your experience and interest ;)

About the job

As Senior Project Manager – R&D, you will lead the execution of our innovative and challenging R&D projects that enables the next-generation metrology solutions for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. You will work closely with the R&D Manager and will enable the multi-disciplinary team working on hardware, software, and algorithm development to push the boundaries of nanoscale measurement. Your role is pivotal in ensuring that the technologies and AFM-based metrology systems being developed by the R&D team meet customer performance requirements and delivery timelines. You will support the R&D Manager who drives the R&D technology roadmap.

What you’re going to do

• Lead end-to-end R&D projects for AFM-based metrology tools, from concept through prototype, validation, making it ready for productization. · Develop and maintain detailed project plans including timelines, resource allocation, deliverables, and risk management;

• Coordinate the cross-functional team in applied physics, optics, mechanics, controls, electronics, data science and AI;

• Drive alignment between technical development and customer/market requirements in collaboration with product marketing;

• Drive deliverables needed for productization in collaboration with the Product development programs, design & engineering and the system engineering team;

• Monitor progress against technical milestones and budget; escalate issues and drive resolution to keep projects on track. · Ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements (e.g., SEMI standards);

• Facilitate cross-site and cross-functional communication; act as a key liaison between R&D, Product Marketing, Systems Engineering and D&E;

• Support continuous improvement of program execution processes, particularly within highly technical and precision-focused environments.

What you’ll get

At Nearfield Instruments, you’ll be joining the most creative minds in science and technology from all over the world. We share a drive and have the potential to become the leading metrology instruments manufacturer. This is your chance to visibly contribute to growing our company and building revolutionary machines for the global semiconductor industry. The benefits we offer include:

• A salary matching your skills, expertise and experience;

• A one-year contract, which we hope to convert into a permanent contract.

• Benefits like a good pension scheme, a commuting allowance, and a discount on your health insurance.

• A holiday allowance of 8% and plenty of time to relax with 30 days of annual leave, based on a 40-hour week;

• An engaging onboarding programme and a buddy to mentor you, so you can start with confidence.

• Unrivalled on-the-job training as you’ll be working with the industry’s top scientists, developing technology that doesn’t yet exist. And lots of opportunities to grow your career at our rapidly growing scale-up.

• An employer that is a proud ally for women and has a diverse and inclusive culture. People from over thirty countries inspire, care for and support each other. We encourage you to be or become who and what you want to be.

• An open and transparent working environment: we listen to you and empower you to take initiative and get the job done in the way that works best for you.

Who you are

• Technical Acumen – Metrology & AFM Understanding of AFM technologies, precision mechanics, nanoscale measurement, and semiconductor metrology applications.

• Project & Program Management Expertise of minimum 5 years in managing complex, cross-functional R&D projects using structured methodologies (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate).

• Systems Thinking Ability to manage interdependencies across software, hardware, algorithms, and customer requirements in complex tool development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making Uses analytical thinking and quantitative data to support trade-off decisions and performance tracking.

• Leadership competenciesStrategic Execution Focus on business goals and customer needs and translating them into actionable R&D plans; Aligns project scope with organizational priorities.

• Influence Without Authority Builds trust and motivates diverse technical teams, even when reporting lines do not exist.

• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership Brings together experts from design, software, mechanical engineering, applications, and marketing to drive results.

• Change Agility Comfortable navigating ambiguity, adjusting plans in dynamic settings, and leading others through change.

• Results Orientation Holds self and others accountable for delivering milestones, quality, and outcomes under pressure.

• Innovation Enablement Fosters a culture of experimentation, learning, and continuous technical improvement within the team.

• Communication & Transparency Communicates program goals, progress, and risks clearly to both technical teams and executive leadership.