Technical Project Manager

Smartoptics; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Health insurance

Bonus scheme

6 weeks vacation

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Smartoptics is looking for a Lead Hardware Developer to manage hardware development projects in R&D. You will oversee the lifecycle of optical network components, ensuring quality and timely delivery through collaboration with various engineering teams.

The role is based in Kista, Stockholm, requiring presence in the office while offering limited remote work flexibility. Applicants should possess a degree in a relevant field and have 4-8 years of project management experience.

Qualifications

• 4–8 years of project management experience in hardware product development.
• Strong understanding of hardware development cycles.
• Experience coordinating with software teams in agile Scrum.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end product development lifecycle for hardware components.
• Define and manage scope, schedule, resources, and risk for hardware projects.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

University degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science

Tools

Scrum

Agile methodologies

Job description

Position Summary

Lead hardware development projects within R&D at Smartoptics, ensuring optical network components are delivered on time, with quality, and in close collaboration with a cross‑functional engineering team.

Oversee scope, schedule, and cross‑functional execution for hardware projects such as muxponders, transponders, ROADMs, amplifiers and related components, bridging stage‑gate hardware development stages with agile Scrum software teams working on embedded firmware and back‑end services.

Work in the Stockholm office (Kista) under an office‑first policy, with limited remote work options. Drive hardware milestones while staying synchronized with Scrum teams whose deliverables are tightly coupled to the hardware program.

• Lead end‑to‑end product development lifecycle for hardware components from feasibility to production handoff.
• Define and manage scope, schedule, resources, and risk for hardware projects.
• Coordinate with hardware engineers, optical designers, embedded and full‑stack software developers, system testers, and Scrum masters.
• Bridge stage‑gate and agile delivery models, ensuring timely hardware milestones and synchronizing with software sprints.
• Facilitate stakeholder communication, status reporting, and decision making.

Requirements

• Based in the Stockholm area.
• Office‑first policy.
• University degree in a relevant field, e.g. MSc in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.
• Good communication skills in English; Swedish is preferable.
• 4–8 years of project management experience in hardware product development.
• Strong understanding of hardware development cycles – PCB design, component qualification, hardware verification, and manufacturing ramp.
• Experience coordinating with software teams (embedded, back‑end, or front‑end) working in agile Scrum.
• Comfortable working across both structured stage‑gate and agile delivery models simultaneously.
• Strong problem‑solving and stakeholder communication skills with a coaching approach.

Desired Skills

• Experience in optical networking, telecom, or data center infrastructure.
• Familiarity with WDM technology or optical components.
• Hands‑on background in embedded systems, FPGA, or hardware‑close firmware development.
• Understanding of software development practices (e.g. Scrum/Kanban, CI/CD, DevOps).
• PMP, PMI‑ACP, or equivalent certification.
• Experience working with ODMs or EMS partners.

Benefits

Benefits include pension, health insurance, bonus scheme, 6 weeks vacation and flexible working hours.

Location & Working Hours

Smartoptics R&D team is located in Kista, Stockholm. The position requires presence in the office most days, with limited work‑from‑home flexibility.

Applicants must have a Swedish/EU work permit. No relocation assistance or visa support is provided. No recruiters or agencies are permitted to submit applications.