Project Manager
The Project Manager will lead government-funded R&D programs in Japan, managing milestones, budgets, and stakeholder relationships while establishing project management practices for the local office. The role requires deep expertise in Japanese government-subsidized research programs and the ability to bridge technical engineering teams with non-specialist auditors.
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Tokyo, JP
- Work setup
- Hybrid
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Project management
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Material Science, or related STEM field
- Extensive experience in leading complex R&D or deep-tech engineering programs in Japan
- Direct experience managing NEDO, METI, JST, or similar Japanese government-subsidized programs
- Strong hands-on skills in WBS creation, Gantt chart management, and risk management frameworks
- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear reports for non-specialist evaluators
- Professional level written and spoken Japanese
- Business level English
Nice to have
- Experience managing multi-party consortia mixing academia and industry
- Background in IP strategy or technology licensing within a funded research setting
- Experience setting up project management practices or tools from scratch
- Familiarity with quantum computing, semiconductors, or advanced hardware R&D
Full description
At IQM, we build world-leading quantum computers for the well-being of humankind. We design systems to tackle computational challenges beyond the practical limits of classical machines. Our work sits at the edge of science and engineering. It's complex, demanding, and deeply collaborative. We turn deep research into reliable, full-stack systems that drive discoveries in fields like medicine, energy, and technology, reshaping how the world computes.
Join the team that gives quantum a heartbeat.
The work
As Project Manager, you'll lead a government funded R&D program from end to end, acting as IQM's main point of contact while collaborating with technical teams, consortium partners, and internal stakeholders. As more publicly funded projects land in the region, you'll also help shape how IQM runs project management in Japan going forward.
You'll work closely with the Japan Country Manager and the global Program Management team, and coordinate regularly with Commercial teams, the Technology division, Finance, Legal, IP & Compliance, and Operations & Service teams.
What you’ll actually do
- Own the project end to end: milestones, stage gates, budget, and contracted KPIs.
- Act as the main point of contact for government Program Directors, Project Officers, and evaluators.
- Build and manage the WBS, Gantt charts, and risk plans that keep the program on track.
- Translate technical progress into clear reports that non-specialist evaluators and auditors can follow.
- Lead scope changes, budget reallocations, and formal amendment procedures with the government.
- Prepare official reports for and represent the project in interim reviews, annual evaluations, and final audits.
- Manage consortium dynamics across universities, research institutes, and corporate partners.
- Coordinate cross-functional project teams across different locations and time zones.
- Protect IQM's IP while staying fully compliant with funder guidelines.
- Set up project management practices, templates, and trackers that scale as more funded projects come in.
What we’re looking for
- A degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Material Science, or a related STEM field. Equivalent experience can be counted additionally.
- Extensive experience in leading complex R&D or deep-tech engineering programs in Japan.
- Direct experience managing NEDO, METI, JST, or similar Japanese government-subsidized programs.
- Strong hands-on skills in WBS creation, Gantt chart management, and risk management frameworks.