Incubation Project Manager H/F

AcuSurgical is a venture-backed surgical robotics company developing next-generation ophthalmic robotic platforms. We are looking for a Project Manager to lead the planning and execution of our Incubation programs — a dedicated unit that explores and validates advanced technology concepts (robotics, AI, computer vision, imaging) before they enter formal product development. You will manage two parallel programs: next-generation platform capabilities and a new clinical application program extending the platform into a high-volume surgical market. Both are in a research and feasibility phase — exploratory, iterative, and milestone-driven, with structured handoff gates into regulated development. This is not a role where you follow a predetermined plan; you manage deeptech programs where unknowns are high and timelines are shaped by technical discovery. The role reports to the CTO and requires close coordination with the Incubation team leads, R&D Director, VP of Product, and the Program Manager overseeing the core product program. Key Responsibilities :

• Own project planning, scheduling, and progress tracking for both Incubation programs using a hybrid agile/milestone-driven approach
• Coordinate sprint planning, retrospectives, and demo cycles with Incubation team leads; keep milestones timeboxed and tracked
• Manage dependencies between Incubation programs and the core R&D program — shared resources, platform decisions, and technical interfaces
• Facilitate structured decision gates: coordinate evidence gathering, documentation, and stakeholder reviews for technology promotion decisions
• Track and communicate risks, blockers, and resource needs; provide clear status reporting to CTO and program governance
• Coordinate surgeon feedback sessions and external demonstrations with Clinical and Product teams
• Ensure research-grade documentation is maintained throughout the feasibility phase to support future regulatory traceability and technology transfer

What We Offer : A unique opportunity to shape the project management function for a strategically ambitious part of a growing surgical robotics company. You will work at the intersection of robotics, AI, and clinical innovation, in a technically rigorous environment where clear thinking is valued over hierarchy. Competitive compensation, permanent contract (CDI), and location in Montpellier — one of the most attractive cities in the south of France. Your Profile :

• 5+ years of project management in deeptech environments — robotics, AI/ML, aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or comparable domains
• Experience managing projects through research/feasibility phases, not only formal product development — you understand exploring unknowns vs. executing a plan
• Comfort with agile and hybrid methodologies (Shape Up, Scrum, milestone-driven); ability to adapt the framework to the team
• Strong stakeholder management: effective communication with engineers, product leaders, clinical teams, and executives
• Ability to manage multiple parallel programs with shared dependencies
• Fluent in English; working proficiency in French is a strong advantage
• Based in or willing to relocate to Montpellier, France

Nice to have : Experience in medical devices or regulated industries; familiarity with computer vision / AI teams; experience with Jira, Confluence, and Git-based workflows; understanding of technology readiness levels or stage-gate processes.