Portfolio Manager Low Power Wireless

Drive imec’s offering for a portfolio of technologies in Low Power Wireless R&D in market segments like Consumer, Automotive, Industrial, Robotics and Space 

Imec is the world’s leading independent nanoelectronics R&D hub. The combination of our talent, infrastructure, and partner network enables breakthroughs towards microchips that are smaller, faster, more affordable, and more sustainable. We combine nanotech expertise with data and AI to create and support applications for a smarter, better future. imec’s main 200mm and 300mm cleanroom facilities are located at Leuven (Belgium), with significant R&D presence in Ghent (Belgium), Eindhoven (Netherlands), and further abroad for example in the US (Florida).  

In collaboration with its industrial partners, imec conducts significant research in wireless and RF systems, circuits, algorithms and RF semiconductor technologies, as part of its “Wireless and Edge” offering in the Connected Compute business line (“sector”). The “Low Power Wireless” R&D portfolio covers low power wireless communications and sensing (i.e., ranging, microlocation, radar) circuits, algorithms and systems for next-generation low power edge and IoT wireless transceivers in standardized (e.g., Bluetooth, UWB, WIFI) as well as proprietary solutions. The ambition of the portfolio is to be a world-recognized leader in low power wireless R&D, by bringing innovative system, circuits and algorithms to a readiness level where it can be adopted by its industrial partners or alternatively can be spun out as a high-tech start-up. The focus over the next 5 to 10 years is to further augment this R&D to meet the needs of demanding applications including but not limited to Low Power Wireless for new generations low power wireless systems in multi-market segments such as Consumer, Automotive, Industrial & Robotics and Space.  

This position is based in our Eindhoven office in The Netherlands with a reporting line to the Portfolio Director Wireless & Edge. 

What you will do

As Portfolio Manager – Low Power Wireless you are responsible for defining and helping realize imec’s strategy towards maximum impact for its Low Power Wireless portfolio, part of imec’s Connected Compute sector. The role spans the journey from market analysis and voice-of-customer, over requirement and roadmap definition, business plan and business proposal creation to its realization by managing the selected investments and R&D partnerships.  

Your main responsibilities are:

1. Shape imec’s offering for this portfolio, driving research investments and solution roadmaps from market needs, in close collaboration with imec’s management, technology teams and your colleagues in the portfolio and business development team: 

• Create a good understanding of the needs for potential users of the technologies. 
• Identify, assess, and synthesize market trends and gaps relevant towards imec’s roadmap and offering definition for its Low Power Wireless portfolio. 
• Articulate unique selling points of imec’s R&D and technologies from an application perspective and how they fit in potential customers’ value chains. 
• Analyze competitive and intellectual property landscapes. 
• Assess financial impact and potential of proposed investments to support go/no-go decisions and prioritization. 
• Define business models and collaboration approaches bridging imec’s offering to the needs and capabilities of the customers. This may involve building partnerships with 3rd parties or spin-offs to turn imec’s technologies or solutions in actual products. 
• Validate the above and empathize with imec partners’ needs through effective Voice-of-Customer insight collection. 

2. Act as a business lead for ongoing investments towards new assets in the portfolio:  

• Develop, monitor and update the strategic vision and business case behind the investment decision. 
• Derive high-level specifications and plans coherent with the stated product-market fit and market timing. 
• Monitor execution and market risks and help manage potential barriers such as IP situation and regulatory approvals 
• Sign off investment milestones and requests for specification changes in view of the (updated) business case. 
• Set release-to-market conditions and lead hand-over towards field and business development teams. 

3. Support the commercial phase for collaborations within the portfolio: 

• Assist with customer discovery and business proposal creation.  
• Assist with strategy alignment efforts with your colleagues from the technology office and imec’s expertise centers. 
• Support business development teams towards the execution of the portfolio business plan (and to analyze deviations). 
• Evangelize the portfolio in relevant industry conferences, congresses, or customer meetings. 
• Make portfolio offerings and business case adjustments based on market feedback. 

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion, and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.  

We are proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample opportunities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process, not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.  

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a competitive salary with many benefits. 

Who you are

• Master’s or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering (MBA or Business degree is a bonus). 
• 5-8+ yrs of experience in RF/low-power wireless technologies and around 3+ yrs owning technology/product roadmaps in an industrial environment. 
• Strong grasp of low power wireless technologies such as BLE, UWB, Wi-Fi, radar systems. 
• Experience in new technology development and applying this to new domains such as space/SATCOM/NTN, industrial/robotics. 
• Previous successes in closing B2B collaborations or licensing deals and writing winning proposals.  
• Knowledge in market sizing, ROI financial modelling and go-/no-go gating (together with BDM). 
• Proven lead (drive, i.e. hands-on) of R&D portfolios from concept to market hand-off is a plus. 
• Influential team player who drives alignment without having direct authority. 
• Excellent English communicator who is equally at ease in dialogues with industrial partners (customers), researchers and engineers, at all levels as well as on stage at an event. 
• Willing to travel worldwide to partners and industry events (~10%) as well as to standardization / ecosystem events (such as Bluetooth SIG, IEEE, etc). 

Interested

Are you interested in this position, and do you want to learn more about it? Then you can connect with Frank Wolfs, Talent Acquisition Lead. You can reach Frank by email at frank.wolfs.ext@imec.nl or via +31650837563. If you wish to apply, then please submit your full resume and a write a motivational cover letter.  

Click on ‘apply’ to submit your application. You will then be redirected to e-recruiting.