R&D Program Manager

Barco designs technology that makes everyday life a little better. Seeing beyond the image, we develop sight, sound, and sharing solutions to help customers work together, share insights, and wow audiences. By unlocking the creative power of technology, we aim to enable "bright outcomes" for our customers.

In Barco Labs, skilled experts are exploring new technologies and building first-of-a-kind proof of concepts for our Healthcare, Enterprise and Entertainment divisions or to venture into new markets. We challenge ourselves to stay on top of state-of-the-art technology by building demonstrators and explore new use cases with internal and external stakeholders.

Within the photonic device domain, we are developing innovative optical technologies that enable next-generation visual experiences, optical communications, and sensing. By leveraging spatial optics, waveguide systems, and their fusion, our devices serve as core technologies - the “heart” of advanced systems - forming strong intellectual property and delivering new value to users while contributing to the evolution of social infrastructure. Our proprietary Light Steering technology allows for precise control of light, unlocking new possibilities across immersive imaging, high-density DWDM networks, and energy-efficient optical switching for data centers.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive execution across multiple R&D projects and help teams achieve ambitious development goals.
• Coordinate activities between Japan, Europe, suppliers, and internal/external partners.
• Proactively identify project risks, resource constraints, and operational bottlenecks and help resolve them efficiently.
• Manage schedules, milestones, action items, procurement activities, and development-related documentation.
• Support development activities through coordination with internal and external engineering teams.
• Other tasks assigned by the reporting manager.

Qualifications & Experiences

• A professional with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, science, business, or an equivalent field.
• Experience coordinating complex R&D programs involving multidisciplinary engineering teams, suppliers, and external development partners.
• Minimum: 3+ years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, Engineering Operations, or a related role.
• Proven experience in project or program management within the semiconductor, display, or telecommunications industry.
• Strong communication skills in both Japanese and English (Native Japanese Speaker).
• Experience coordinating cross-functional and international teams.
• Ability to work independently and drive execution in a dynamic environment.
• Strong ownership and execution mindset.

Competencies

• Hands-on experience in semiconductor, photonics, optical communications, MEMS, or display technology development.
• Experience working with foundries, packaging houses, test houses, suppliers, or external development.
• Knowledge of electronic systems, driver ICs, FPGA, ASIC, or system integration.
• Experience with intellectual property, patent activities, technology evaluation, or technical due diligence.
• Experience in startup, new business, or organization-building environments.
• Demonstrates speed, perseverance, and resilience in driving projects to successful outcomes.
• Can operate effectively in ambiguous environments, taking initiative and bringing stakeholders along toward a common objective.
• Enjoys building new organizations, processes, and capabilities from the ground up.
• Thrives in a global and multicultural environment and is motivated by continuous learning and personal growth.