Technical Key Account Manager (Semiconductors)

The Chips‑IT Foundation is seeking a Technical Key Account Manager (KAM) to act as a long‑term, technically informed partner for SMEs and start‑ups accessing the Foundation’s advanced services and funding support, including both the instruments directly provided by the Foundation and those offered through initiatives in which the Foundation is involved, such as EuroCDP. EuroCDP is a Chips JU initiative building Europe’s next‑generation chip design ecosystem. It supports European innovators throughout the chip design journey, from first idea to silicon, by providing access to design tools, IP, expert guidance, prototyping, and dedicated start‑up programmes.

About the Chips‑IT Foundation

Foundation “Italian Center for the Design of Semiconductor Integrated Circuits”, also known as Chips-IT Foundation, is a nonprofit research and technology organization under the supervision of the Ministries of Industry. It is Italy's first RTO (Research and Technology Organization) vertically focused on semiconductor research and stands as a center of excellence in frontier research on semiconductor design, as well as a pivotal center of the Italian semiconductor ecosystem and expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the main commercial and technical interface between users and internal/external stakeholders.
• Support SMEs and start‑ups in project road‑mapping, definition, and eligibility checks for advanced services and funding opportunities.
• Guide applicants through pre‑screening, orientation, and proposal preparation to reduce avoidable rejections.
• Coordinate interactions with internal teams within Chips‑IT and its related initiatives, external experts, EDA/IP providers, and Design Enablement Teams (DETs) for activities related to EuroCDP.
• Monitor funded projects against milestones, organize technical reviews, and trigger corrective actions when needed.
• Ensure procedural compliance and continuity without duplicating technical mentoring or incubation activities.
• Assist users in navigating incubators and accelerator programs offered by the Foundation, EuroCDP or other initiatives.
• Actively contribute to ecosystem activation by participating in events, engaging start‑ups, SMEs, investors, and supporting PR and communication initiatives.
• Advise clients on chip design and heterogeneous integration projects, including feasibility analysis, partner identification, and access to pilot lines or silicon prototyping facilities.

Requirements

• Background in semiconductor technologies, microelectronics, chip design (ASIC/SoC/FPGA), or related deep‑tech fields.
• Experience in technical project management, key account management, consulting, or innovation support.
• Strong ability to translate complex technical and procedural requirements into clear guidance for users.
• Comfortable working with SMEs, start‑ups, researchers, and external experts.
• Structured, proactive, and confident in managing multiple stakeholders and long‑term projects.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Interest in European innovation programs, funding mechanisms, and ecosystem development in microelectronics and semiconductor R&D.
• Familiarity with EDA tools, IP cores, tape‑out processes, and pilot line prototyping is highly desirable.
• Previous experience supporting start‑ups or SMEs within incubation, acceleration, or innovation programs, particularly in technical or deep‑tech environments.
• The role requires a versatile, hands‑on profile capable of bridging technical and commercial aspects, rather than a purely sales‑oriented approach.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and contract type, to be negotiated based on qualifications and experience.
• Possibility to enter into a PhD conjugating your job with a research program that will grant you the PhD title.
• Lunch tickets.
• Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract.
• Structured growth path, with ongoing access to training and updates.
• Networking opportunities with industry‑leading professionals.
• International environment.
• Hybrid work policy.
• Tax deductions: Candidates from abroad, including Italian citizens, who have carried scientific research activity abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a taxable income deduction up to 90% for a period of 6 to 13 years.

Position: Fixed‑term until 31.12.2028, with possibility of extension based on project needs and performance.