At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting R&D projects and drive innovation in sustainable power electronics.
- Company: Join a pioneering spin-out from Cambridge University focused on green technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, share options, flexible working, and 33 days of annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative hybrid work environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy-efficient electronics while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Masters in engineering or science with project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Team – R&D Engineering
Location – Cambridge
Contract – Full-Time, Permanent
About CGD
A spin-out of the Cambridge University, Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) is a fabless semiconductor company that develops a range of energy-efficient GaN-based power devices to make greener electronics possible. The global power semiconductor market is expected to exceed $50BN. In addition to the multi-million seed fund and Series A and now B private investments, CGD has so far successfully secured four projects funded by iUK, BEIS and EU (Penta). The technical and commercial expertise of the CGD team combined with an extensive track record in the power electronics market has been fundamental in early market traction of our proprietary technology.
Bringing Innovation into Everyday Life
The environmental need for solutions to resolve the world’s most significant challenges (energy consumption and CO2 emissions) inspires us to contribute to society by preserving nature with energy-efficient power solutions. With a mindset on pushing the limits of semiconductor (GaN) properties and an outstanding team of worldwide experts leveraging knowledge, IP, and decades of research, we demonstrate technological advancement by developing green solutions for everyday electronics, respecting our planet’s natural resources, and creating a more sustainable future for the generations to come.
Why Work for CGD
We Champion Commitment, Celebrate Empowerment, and Reward the Brave. We are interested in change-makers with a passion for power semiconductors who are willing to explore unconventional ways to meet the company’s green agenda. At CGD, we pride ourselves on putting empowerment and commitment at the core of our company culture. We offer a relaxed yet productive working environment where everybody is valued and respected and becomes part of commercial success while experiencing professional growth. If your heart beats for innovation, challenge, and growth, and if the prospect of joining a friendly and game-changing company is for you, we want to hear from you.
The Opportunity
CGD is looking for an R&D Project Manager to join our growing engineering team. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Research and Development, this is an amazing opportunity to join CGD at an early stage and help drive the project management function, developing it further as CGD grows. The R&D Project Manager will be responsible for the planning and delivery of internal product and technology development projects and public-funded projects. Working closely with a wide group of both internal and external stakeholders, the R&D Project Manager will be responsible for all aspects of project delivery. This will involve supporting projects through their full lifecycle, from concept and requirements gathering to final completion, and will include project tracking and evaluation, and financial reporting and management. The role is based at the company’s office in Cambridge, UK, though it is expected that some travel will be required for this role.
Main Responsibilities
- Responsible for CGD’s product development projects and public-funded projects
- Supporting the project management team and help to constantly improve project management procedures
- Coordinate cross-functional teams focused on delivering new or upgraded products
- Support projects through all phases from concept and requirements to completion, including tracking and evaluation of project performance, using state-of-the-art project management methodologies and tools
- Ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and within accepted quality metrics
- Responsible for project review and status meetings and communicating project status
- Support and maintain project documentation
- Coordinate the bid-writing process for public-funded R&D projects
Requirements
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Masters’ degree with an engineering or science background
- Previous experience working in a similar role, ideally in a smaller or growing technology or engineering organisation
- Comprehensive knowledge of project management
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, start-up environment
- Willing and able to travel and work with partners in Europe, Americas and Asia
- Strong organisational skills
- Strategic thinker with practical skills and experience
- Motivated by nature, responsive to changing needs of the projects and business
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills
Desirable
- Formal project management training
- Project Management qualification such as PRINCE2/PMI would be an advantage
- Knowledge of semiconductor or power electronics development
- Experience with UK or European public-funded industrial research projects
Benefits
- Excellent salary
- Share options scheme available (so you own a piece of the company!)
- Pension scheme (6% Company contribution)
- Life Assurance (3x Salary)
- Medicash cash plan
- Flexible working options (both location and times)
- Annual leave allowance of 33 days (including bank holidays)
- Training and career development
- Family friendly policies
- Cycle to work scheme
- EV leasing scheme
- Volunteer leave policy
- IP bonus scheme
- Involvement in collaborative projects and grants with University of Cambridge and other partners
- Recruitment referral bonus
- Regular social events including frequent company lunches, annual summer party, Christmas party, team building and wellbeing activities
We believe in equal opportunities
It takes a diverse and inclusive community of passionate, talented and committed people to build a system to shape the future of power electronics. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all current and prospective employees regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We believe that a more inclusive workplace, where people of different backgrounds work together, ensures better outcomes for all employees. We aspire to have a diverse workforce because, in our view, diversity enables better business outcomes. From application to interview, we place inclusion at the heart of all we do.
Studies have shown that women tend to apply to jobs if they meet all, or almost all, of the requirements whereas men apply even if they meet only some of the requirements. If that sounds like you then please apply and we’ll provide feedback.
We are well set up for collaborative hybrid working, with some members of the team working in the UK office and some from home in the UK and other cities in Europe and Asia.
R&D Project Manager in Cambridge employer: Cambridge GaN Devices
CGD is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, a generous benefits package including a share option scheme and private health insurance, and a supportive environment that values work-life balance. Join us to be part of cutting-edge projects in GaN Power IC solutions while enjoying regular social events and a family-friendly atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Project Manager in Cambridge
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like Cambridge GaN Devices.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like Cambridge GaN Devices.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Project Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at Cambridge GaN Devices that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at Cambridge GaN Devices and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge GaN Devices
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at Cambridge GaN Devices, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show Cambridge GaN Devices that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At Cambridge GaN Devices, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
