R&D Technical Project Manager, AI Division

Ceva

14h

About The Position

The R&D Technical Project Manager will lead large-scale, multidisciplinary programs developing Neural Network Processor (NPU) and AI IP products within Ceva’s AI Division. The role leads cross-functional engineering teams of more than 30 people across architecture, algorithms, VLSI, embedded software, software tools, and systems, delivering programs from product requirements through production-ready delivery for SoC makers and OEM customers. The position serves as a primary interface among customers, the product team, and internal R&D teams, balancing technical leadership, strategic execution, and organizational excellence in a global, multi-site environment. It is accountable for planning and delivering AI Division R&D programs and products with quality, on time, and within budget, as well as defining and deploying program-development processes. The role also oversees PMO activities and continuous improvement of program-management processes. The AI Division develops machine-learning and generative-AI architectures for edge devices and cloud inference. Its R&D spans Neural Network Processors, Vision DSPs, and AI algorithms for applications including smartphones, tablets, automotive, and surveillance cameras. The division combines hardware IP design with embedded software, software-development tools, and system-level solutions.

Requirements

B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
At least 10 years of experience in SoC or semiconductor product development covering hardware and software.
At least 5 years of experience managing complex hardware/software R&D projects with teams exceeding 30 engineers.
Proven experience leading full-lifecycle product development from concept and architecture through mass production.
Hands-on experience managing R&D programs for Neural Network Processors (NPU), including coordination across data science, graph compiler, compiler, simulation architecture, and hardware.
Strong proficiency in project-management methodologies, planning tools, and metrics-driven execution.
Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills in global, multi-site environments.
Ability to work independently and balance technical depth with strategic oversight.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading complex AI processor IP execution projects.
Direct experience with NPU, Vision DSP, or Edge AI accelerator architectures and associated AI compiler/runtime environments.
Familiarity with Generative AI, LLM, Vision and Geometry Processing, or AI for embedded systems.
Background in customer-facing project management with OEM or SoC partners.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver AI Division R&D programs and products to the required quality, schedule, and budget.
Define and deploy the AI Division’s program-development processes.
Own end-to-end planning and delivery for AI processor IP programs covering hardware design, embedded software, and software-development tools.
Build and manage integrated schedules across RTL, verification, firmware, drivers, toolchain, and documentation.
Drive execution through concept, design, verification, bring-up, and customer-release phases.
Manage program POR, priorities, and change control.
Track dependencies among IP architecture, firmware readiness, SDK and toolchain availability, and customer-enablement deliverables.
Define and manage program KPIs, including schedule, quality metrics, and customer satisfaction.
Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across hardware design, verification, modeling, firmware, SDK/toolchain, and system validation.
Align technical priorities and milestones with product management, system architects, and customer engineering.
Coordinate with silicon partners and customers to support IP integration and bring-up.
Coordinate work across global R&D sites and foster collaboration among distributed teams.
Promote an R&D culture focused on technical innovation, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.
Align hardware deliverables with the corresponding software-development environment.
Oversee development and release of software tools, including SDKs, compilers, profilers, debuggers, simulators, and evaluation platforms.
Manage embedded firmware releases, drivers, and Graph compiler deliverables.
Identify technical and schedule risks early and drive mitigation and contingency plans.
Ensure design readiness and quality reviews across hardware, software, and tools.
Ensure configuration management, version control, and quality documentation across IP and software components.
Serve as the central communication hub across engineering, marketing, operations, and customers.
Provide executive-level status reports with clear visibility into risks, dependencies, and critical paths.
Oversee PMO activities and support definition, deployment, and continuous improvement of program-management processes.