Senior Project Manager
Location: Cambridge, UK
Department: Management
Reports To: CEO/COO
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us:
Forefront RF is an innovative fabless semiconductor company developing cutting-edge RF technology for mobile device manufacturers. Our mission is to revolutionize RF front-end technology by enabling seamless global connectivity – and ultimately, to unlock the long-standing vision of true software-defined radio. We are developing advanced, multi-chip RF modules that integrate adaptive circuitry, digitally controlled components, embedded software, and complex analog/RF designs into highly compact form factors.
With our first commercial product in active development and a growing team of engineers and business professionals, we’re now looking to strengthen our project leadership with the technical awareness and delivery discipline to guide complex RF hardware development efforts from concept through to product release.
Our Values:
We place a strong emphasis on fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, teamwork, and accountability. We believe that when we work together, drawing on each team member’s unique strengths, we can achieve remarkable results.
Our commitment to integrity, respect, honesty, and openness forms the foundation of our interactions, both within the company and with our valued partners and clients. We encourage ambition, initiative, and visionary thinking, as we understand that these qualities drive innovation and propel us towards success.
In addition, we value adaptability, proactivity, and resilience. We are looking for individuals who are comfortable with ambiguity and can navigate through it, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving.
These values collectively define who we are and want to be as a team and guide us as we navigate the exciting journey ahead. If you align with our mission and values, and are ready to grow with us, we would love to hear from you.
Job Overview:
This is not a generic project coordination role — this is a leadership opportunity for someone who understands the intricacies of deep-tech product development. You will take ownership of complex, multi-phase projects centered around multi-chip RF modules, each combining integrated circuits (RFICs), passive components, laminate designs, control interfaces (e.g., MIPI), embedded software, and advanced test methodologies.
Software development is an integral part of our product, enabling control, configuration, evaluation, and customer integration. Your plans will need to account for embedded code, GUI tools, EVB support packages, and simulation models alongside hardware milestones.
As one of the two central roles in our matrix organization — alongside the Director of Engineering — you will be responsible for driving cross-functional execution, resolving roadblocks, and keeping our delivery milestones on track. The engineering team is functionally managed by disciplined leads, while you own project planning, execution cadence, and alignment with our business goals.
Reporting Line: This role will initially report to the CEO. However, as Forefront RF grows and evolves its senior leadership, a Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be added to the team. At that point, the Sr. Project Manager will report to the COO.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Ownership & Execution
* Lead the full lifecycle of complex RF module development projects, including IC spin alignment, laminate iterations, prototyping, validation, software, and release.
* Build detailed project plans that account for technical dependencies, test cycles, and fabrication timelines.
* Own milestone delivery and risk tracking across multiple workstreams: IC design, module design, firmware, measurement, simulation, application support.
* Ensure the full system — including embedded firmware and software tools — is ready for internal validation and customer-facing use.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Coordinate across analogue/RF IC, system, embedded, and test engineering functions to align work with the overall project timeline.
* Drive weekly and monthly cross-functional reviews, escalating blockers early and transparently.
* Ensure that key deliverables (e.g., datasheets, application notes, test reports, evaluation boards and samples) align with project gates and customer sample schedules.
Stakeholder & Leadership Alignment
* Report regularly to the COO/CEO, and broader leadership team on project status, risk posture, and key decisions.
* Collaborate closely with the Director of Engineering, but also with Business Development and Product leads to ensure that software and hardware components meet both technical and customer needs.
Process & Tooling Development
* Help implement lightweight but effective PM practices and tooling (e.g., Jira dashboards, Gantt charts, review schedules).
* Bring structure to fast-paced technical work without unnecessary overhead.
Requirements
Qualifications:
* Extensive practical project or program management experience in semiconductors, RF systems, or embedded hardware/software development.
* Experience delivering projects that combine hardware (ICs, modules) and software (embedded control, GUI tools, simulations).
* Solid understanding of technical development lifecycles across hardware and software disciplines.
* Highly organized with strong planning, prioritization, and communication skills.
* Technical background in RF, embedded systems, electronics, or systems engineering is strongly preferred.
* Comfortable working in high-ambiguity, high-ownership environments typical of fast-scaling start-ups.
Benefits
* A high-impact leadership role at a well-funded, early-stage tech company
* The chance to build industry-defining technology with real-world impact
* Competitive salary and pension contributions.
* Company Share Option Scheme.
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
* Weekly company lunches.
* Flexible work hours and remote work options.
We believe in equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.