Project Management and Funding Manager for Chip Development in the Semiconductor Industry (m/f/d)

As a Project Management and Funding Manager for Chip Development in the Semiconductor Industry (m/f/d) at Last Mile Semiconductor GmbH, you’ll take our ambitious development projects to the next level. In the heart of Dresden’s innovative ecosystem—Silicon Saxony—you’ll play a key role in our mission to strengthen digital sovereignty worldwide and make optimal use of resources. As we develop a cost-effective and extremely energy-efficient 5G mobile communications chipset, you’ll help us seamlessly integrate technologies into everyday life to enable massive IoT applications.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work at an inspiring deep-tech startup that prioritizes modern working conditions and flexible work schedules. You’ll combine your expertise in project management and grant administration with our goal of shaping the future of wireless communication. As part of our dynamic team, you’ll benefit from an interactive work environment, short decision-making paths, and the opportunity to contribute your creative ideas. Let’s create a sustainable technological future together!

Your Responsibilities:

• Independent planning, coordination, and management of national and international innovation projects in research and development

• Responsibility for budget management, time and resource planning, and continuous monitoring in project controlling

• Monitoring project progress, milestone planning, work orders, and compliance with funding requirements

• Early identification of risks, deviations, and necessary actions, as well as proactive implementation of measures

• Preparation of forecasts, target-actual analyses, and management reports

• Regular status and budget reporting, as well as materiality analyses for senior management

• Preparation of decision-relevant data and KPIs to optimize our project portfolio

• Responsibility for grant management, including grant applications, disbursements, and documentation

• Effective communication and collaboration with project sponsors, grant providers, partners, and external stakeholders

• Coordination of internal and external teams; collaboration with technical and finance departments

• Ensuring complete and traceable project documentation

• Optimizing our project management, grant controlling, and reporting

• Participation in the development of scalable processes for parallel projects

• Occasional travel to visit partners and funding agencies

Your Profile:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in project management, project controlling, or grant administration

• Extensive experience in independently leading projects with responsibility for budgets and resources

• Proficiency in public procurement law, grant applications, and supporting documentation

• Experience with the entire grant process, from application to final accounting

• Proven communication and negotiation skills with funding agencies and partners

• Strong stakeholder management and the ability to reconcile diverse interests

• High level of personal responsibility, decisiveness, and reliability

• Fluency in German at the C2 level and in English at the C1 level

Nice to Have

• Experience with German funding programs such as BMBF, BMWE, state funding, or ZIM

• Proficiency in handling grant awards, application management, and accounting

• Experience with EU funding projects, particularly Horizon Europe, MSCA, or EIC

• Knowledge of consortium structures and contract drafting

• Experience with large-scale or legally complex funding instruments

• Knowledge of the semiconductor industry, microelectronics, or chip development

• Understanding of firmware, embedded software, and hardware development projects

• Proficient in the legal and commercial aspects of the semiconductor industry

• Familiarity with tools such as MS Project, Jira, Confluence, and Smartsheet

• Project management certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, IPMA

• Experience in establishing PM and reporting structures in startup environments

We offer:

Creative freedom & responsibility

• Plenty of autonomy and real responsibility

• Quick decision-making processes and influence on strategic processes

• A direct contribution to the success of our technology and the company

• A central role in a growing deep-tech environment

• Opportunity to contribute to a technology with potential for the future of wireless communication

Benefits

• Employer contribution toward a JobTicket or JobRad

• Free use of the gym facilities in the building

• Company pension plan with employer contribution

Flexibility & Work Environment

• Flexible work hours and hybrid work options

• Modern technical equipment and professional tools

• Bright, well-equipped office spaces in Dresden

Team & Culture

• An international team with flat hierarchies

• Open communication with management

• Supportive and collaborative team culture

• Joint breaks and regular team events

• A corporate culture that encourages initiative and innovation