Project Manager

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.

• Comfort turning complex technical concepts into clear reports for non-specialist evaluators.

• Comfortable working autonomously in a small, growing office with mostly remote, global stakeholders.

• Professional level written and spoken Japanese, ready for formal government documentation, reporting, and agency discussions.

• Business level English.

Seen as an advantage

• Experience managing multi-party consortia that mixes 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 in a scaling organization.

• Familiarity with quantum computing, semiconductors, or other advanced hardware R&D.

Why IQM?

• Full-stack quantum computing: From quantum hardware to software layers and beyond, we build across the full-stack.

• High-performance playground: We aim high, and we know sustainable performance only works when life outside work does too—hybrid setups, flexible hours.

• Never the smartest: Expect to learn constantly. You won't always be the smartest person in the room, and that's the point.

• Approachable leadership: Flat hierarchy, direct access. Feel free to approach any leaders. They're friendlier than they look!

• The sweet spot: Big enough to matter. Small enough to move fast. Growing between a startup and a corporation. We’re in the phase where top performers get noticed.

• Bigger than IQM: Our people build know-how for the entire quantum ecosystem. We publish papers, run hackathons, and help shape a market that's still being defined.

The future of computing won’t build itself. You might be one of the few who do.

• Meet our people and learn more about IQM on our stories page.

• Explore our scientific publications.

We'll start interviews and move forward with hiring as soon as we meet strong candidates. Please submit your application soon.

600M€+ Total Funding | 400+ Team Members | 30+ Quantum Computers Built | 300+ Patents Filed | 10 Location Globally