Introduction

Smartoptics provides innovative optical networking solutions for a new era of open networking. We focus on solving network challenges and increasing the competitiveness of our customers. Our customer base includes cable and telecom operators, cloud providers, Internet exchanges, governments and thousands of enterprises.

The candidate will be part of the R&D team, working across the full product development lifecycle — from early-stage feasibility to production handoff — for hardware products that sit at the core of our portfolio.

Position summary

For our Stockholm office, we are looking for a Technical Project Manager with a solid hardware background. You will lead development projects for optical network components such as muxponders, transponders, ROADMs and amplifiers etc, taking ownership of scope, schedule, and cross-functional execution.

Our R&D environment runs a deliberate mix of methodologies: stage-gate project management for hardware development, and agile Scrum for our software teams. Those teams span the full stack — from embedded firmware running close to the silicon, to back-end services and front-end interfaces powering our customer-facing network management software. You will need to bridge these worlds, driving hardware milestones while keeping in sync with Scrum teams whose deliverables are tightly coupled to the hardware program.

We work in teams of mixed disciplines — hardware engineers, optical designers, embedded and full-stack software developers, system testers, and Scrum masters. Smartoptics and the project management team is growing and the position makes it possible to have an impact on the way of working and the working invironment in general. Some possibility for work from home, but most days we try to meet in our office in Kista, Stockholm.

Requirements:

  • Based in the Stockholm area
  • Office-first policy
  • University degree in relevant field, e.g. MSc in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent
  • Good communication skills in English, preferably also in Swedish
  • 4–8 years of project management experience in hardware product development
  • Strong understanding of hardware development cycles — PCB design, component qualification, hardware verification, and manufacturing ramp
  • Experience coordinating with software teams (embedded, back-end, or front-end) working in agile Scrum
  • Comfortable working across both structured stage-gate and agile delivery models simultaneously
  • Strong problem-solving and stakeholder communication skills and a coaching approach.

Desired skills:

  • Experience in optical networking, telecom, or data center infrastructure
  • Familiarity with WDM technology or optical components
  • Hands-on background in embedded systems, FPGA, or hardware-close firmware development
  • Understanding of software development practices (e.g. Scrum/Kanban, CI/CD, DevOps)
  • PMP, PMI-ACP, or equivalent certification
  • Experience working with ODMs or EMS partners

Smartoptics R&D team is located in Kista with head office in Oslo, Norway. Benefits include pension, health insurance, bonus scheme, 6 weeks’ vacation and flexible working hours. For more information about Smartoptics, please see smartoptics.com/about.

Furthermore, note that you must have a Swedish/EU work permit. No relocation assistance or visa support provided. No recruiters or agencies, please.

About Smartoptics

Smartoptics is a Scandinavian company founded in 2006. We provide innovative optical networking solutions for the new era of open networking. Our focus is on solving network challenges and enhancing the competitiveness of our customers. Our clientele includes cable and telecom operators, cloud providers, Internet exchanges, governments, and thousands of enterprises.

At Smartoptics, we value inclusivity and prioritize the well-being of our employees. We foster a positive company culture and provide a supportive work environment.