Engineering Project Manager

For over 20 years, Ekinops has been driving innovation in network systems. We provide solutions focused on the needs of communication service providers and enterprises worldwide.

We provide open, trusted, and innovative network connectivity and enable our customers' success by delivering high value-added software-driven solutions. Today, over 120 international service providers, including numerous Tier 1 carriers around the world, trust our people and technologies.

Over 50% of our 600+ strong team works in our multi-national Agile R&D centers. Our company has a strong international background, with sales offices strategically located around the world.

Ekinops is also recognized for its ESG commitments with its rating in the EthiFinance ESG Ratings report and its Gold Medal awarded by EcoVadis.

Key duties and responsibilities

Program & Project Leadership

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex engineering programs across software, networking, and virtualization domains
• Drive strategic initiatives related to OVP platforms, NFV architectures, SASE/SSE solutions, and cybersecurity capabilities
• Manage multi-project portfolios with strong interdependencies and high technical complexity

European & Innovation Programs

• Lead and coordinate European-funded programs
• Ensure compliance with funding frameworks, reporting structures, and audit requirements
• Interface with external stakeholders, consortia partners, and public institutions

Governance & Execution Excellence

• Apply and enforce PMO governance (PLC lifecycle, Gate Reviews, KPIs, reporting)
• Prepare and lead SteerCo and executive-level reporting
• Ensure delivery commitments (scope, timeline, cost, quality) are met or exceeded
• Drive risk management, issue resolution, and decision-making escalation

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Align R&D, Product Management, Operations, and external partners
• Coordinate multi-site execution (France, Belgium, India)
• Manage suppliers, technology partners, and ecosystem contributors

Technology & Domain Leadership

• Act as a bridge between engineering and business stakeholders on topics including:
  • Network virtualization (NFV / NFVO)
  • Cloud-native architectures
  • Secure Access Service Edge (SASE / SSE)
  • Cybersecurity platforms
  • Telco cloud / edge computing
• Contribute to technical roadmap alignment and prioritization

Continuous Improvement & Transformation

• Drive process improvements, PMO maturity, and tool standardization
• Promote Agile / hybrid delivery models at scale
• Contribute to AI-driven and data-driven project governance initiatives

Skills and profile

Experience

• 8-12+ years of experience in engineering project or program management
• Proven leadership of complex telecom, networking, or software R&D programs
• Strong exposure to:
  • Network virtualization (NFV / NFVO)
  • SASE / SSE architectures
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cloud / distributed systems
• Demonstrated experience with European programs / public funding

Education & Certifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent
• PMP / PRINCE2 / Agile certifications preferred

Skills

• Strong expertise in:
  • Project governance, risk management, and financial tracking
  • Multi-project and stakeholder management
  • Executive communication and reporting
• Hands-on experience with:
  • ProjectAdvantage, Jira, Confluence, MS Project
• Ability to operate in multi-site, multicultural environments
• Structured, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset

Languages

• Fluent in English
• French strongly preferred

What we offer

• Exposure to high-impact, strategic R&D programs shaping next-generation telecom and cloud solutions
• Direct interaction with executive leadership and international partners
• Opportunity to lead European innovation initiatives and influence technology roadmaps
• A highly collaborative, multi-site engineering environment
• Competitive compensation, flexibility, and strong career growth opportunities

Recruitment process:

At Ekinops, we believe diversity makes us stronger! We hire talents based on skills, experience, and potential-nothing else. No matter your age, gender, background, or abilities, what matters to us is what you bring to the team. Join us and thrive in an inclusive, open-minded workplace where everyone has a voice!

3 interviews:

1st with the Talent Acquisition Manager

2nd with Director R&D Operations & PMO

3rd with VP Customer & R&D Operations