Project Manager in Oxford

The Opportunity

Lumai is redefining how the world computes. We are an ambitious, venture-backed UK startup pioneering a breakthrough AI accelerator for data centers which uses 3D optical compute. Our radical technology uses light to perform computation at orders of magnitude faster speeds and at far greater scales than ever before, all whilst consuming far less energy than traditional approaches. Lumai is unlocking performance and efficiency gains that could transform the economics of AI and compute infrastructure and reshape how intelligence scales globally. If you are passionate about bringing groundbreaking technology to market, and want to be part of a team pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible, Lumai is where you can make it happen.

About Lumai

Founded in 2022, Lumai is a University of Oxford spinout using optical processing to accelerate large language models (LLMs) and other transformer-based AI systems. The team combines expertise in optical computing, machine learning, and physics. Lumai has already secured over $15 million in investment from leading deep-tech investors like Constructor Capital, IP Group, PhotonVentures and government grants, and is scaling rapidly to deploy the fastest optical compute currently available globally.

The Role

As our Project Manager, you will be the operational backbone of our most ambitious programmes: from silicon bring-up and photonic integration to software stack delivery and customer pilots. You will work at the intersection of cutting-edge hardware, embedded firmware, and AI software, coordinating across disciplines where feedback loops are long, dependencies are tightly coupled, and the stakes are high. You will own end-to-end delivery, drive cross-functional alignment, and maintain relentless focus on what needs to happen next — without losing sight of the bigger picture. You will report directly to the Head of Engineering and work closely with technical leads across hardware, firmware, AI applications, and operations teams.

What You'll Do

• Own the end-to-end delivery of Lumai's core engineering programmes, including hardware development milestones (EVT/DVT/PVT), firmware bring-up, and AI software integration cycles.
• Build and maintain detailed project plans, risk registers, and dependency maps across hardware, ASIC, photonics, firmware, and software workstreams.
• Run structured weekly programme reviews and steering meetings; produce clear, concise status reporting for leadership and investors.
• Identify and actively manage programme risks and blockers — escalating early, proposing mitigations, and driving decisions to resolution.
• Coordinate closely with supply chain, procurement, and external vendors (CM, foundry, packaging partners) to track NRE milestones, tapeout schedules, and prototype deliveries.
• Maintain a single source of truth for programme status, decisions, and actions — driving accountability without creating bureaucracy.
• Support resource planning and headcount prioritisation across teams, flagging capacity conflicts before they become critical path issues.
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment between hardware engineers, firmware developers, AI/ML researchers, and business stakeholders with differing cadences and vocabulary.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Lumai's engineering operating model — proposing better processes, templates, and tooling as the team scales.

What We're Looking For

Must-Have

• 5+ years of project or programme management experience, with at least 2 years in a hardware or deep tech environment (semiconductor, photonics, robotics, aerospace, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex multi-disciplinary projects with hardware and software components running in parallel.
• Strong working knowledge of hardware development lifecycles — EVT/DVT/PVT, tapeout cycles, NRE structures, BOM management, and CM relationships.
• Experience tracking ASIC or PCB development schedules, including foundry and packaging supply chains with long and uncertain lead times.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication — able to translate technical complexity for both engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficient with modern project management tooling (e.g. Jira, Linear, Notion, Asana, or similar); comfortable designing workflows rather than just following them.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to drive structure into early-stage programmes where requirements and dependencies are still evolving.
• Strong stakeholder management skills — able to hold peers accountable, push back constructively, and build trust across functions.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a technical field; or equivalent industry experience.

Strong Preference For

• Experience at a deep tech startup or scale-up during a period of rapid growth or first product launch.
• Familiarity with photonics, silicon photonics, or custom ASIC development workflows.
• Exposure to AI/ML product delivery — understanding of model training cycles, inference infrastructure, or SDK/API release processes.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent certification; or experience with Agile/SAFe frameworks applied to hardware contexts.
• Experience managing external design houses, IP licensors, or EMS/CM relationships through prototype builds.
• Prior experience supporting investor reporting, board updates, or milestone-based funding milestones.
• Hands‑on curiosity about the technology — comfortable spending time in the lab or with the engineering team to understand what is actually being built.

Compensation & Benefits

• Highly Competitive Salary: We are not saying our salary is a blank check, but let's just say it won't be a source of your stress.
• Share Option Scheme: We are all in this together! We believe in shared success while we build the Lumai of tomorrow.
• Pension Scheme: Plan for retirement with AVIVA.
• Private Health Insurance: We firmly believe that you come first, and a happy you is a healthy you! Look after yourself and your loved ones with AXA.
• Cycle to Work: Spread the cost of a bike, a bike and accessories or just accessories and save on tax.
• L&D Allowance: Stay at the forefront of your field with a £500 annual development budget.
• Subsidised On‑site Lunches: Enjoy on‑site healthy meals at half the price, as Lumai covers 50% of the cost.
• Holidays: Enjoy some deserved 'me time' with 25 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays) per year.
• Socials: Be part of an inclusive community enjoying occasional all-company off‑sites, lunches and socials.

Interview Process

Our process is four stages. An initial conversation with our HR team to understand what you want from the role and what we want from it. Two technical sessions with various members of our engineering team. Finally, an HR‑team session covering scope, terms, and any final questions. We aim to move fast on candidates we are excited about; expect roughly three to four weeks end to end.

Lumai is an equal opportunity employer. We make hiring decisions on merit, scope‑fit, and the strength of the working relationship we expect to build with each hire. Applications welcome from candidates of any background. If you are not sure whether you are a fit, send a note anyway.