Public Funding & Grants Specialist

To be negotiated based on candidate´s experience

Description

KD is a semiconductor company focused on introducing high-speed fiber optics into harsh environments. KD’s technology enables the future of Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics and Industry 4.0 by delivering fast, reliable and cost-effective communications.

Founded in 2010 in Madrid, Spain, KD has about 80 employees and in full expansion due to the development of next‑generation products and the creation of a unique factory in Spain which has been recognized by the EU and Government of Spain as strategic project.

As KD scales, we are looking for a Public Funding & Grants Manager to take ownership of the multi‑million public funding portfolio that supports our strategic and innovation projects.

This is a hands‑on role managing the full grant lifecycle, from applications and modifications to justifications, audits, compliance and closure. You will work closely with Finance, Engineering, Operations and Legal to ensure KD captures and manages public funding with rigour, control and on‑time execution.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of public grants and subsidies (regional, national and European, including IPCEI and Next Generation EU programs): application, award, modifications, justification and closure.
• Ensure administrative and legal compliance of each grant.
• Preparation and telematic submission of documentation through official electronic registries (Ministry of Industry, CDTI, regional bodies).
• Monitoring of award resolutions, modification requests and responses to official requirements within the legal deadlines.
• Compliance with applicable regulations: grant orders and calls, Ley General de Subvenciones and EU state aid rules.
• Prepare, maintain and review the technical and financial justification documentation.
• Technical reports and project memories, in collaboration with the engineering and operations teams.
• Budget tracking sheets, investment status reports and audit‑ready cost documentation (personnel, equipment, subcontracting) in collaboration with finance and accounting.
• DNSH (“Do No Significant Harm”) certificates and other environmental and regulatory certifications required by the funding programs.
• Guarantee strict compliance with deadlines: maintain a consolidated calendar of milestones, reporting obligations and requirement response windows.
• Act as the main point of contact with consortiums representatives, granting bodies, auditors, external advisors and certification entities.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders (finance, engineering, operations and legal) to gather the evidence required for justifications, requirements and audits.
• Monitor new public funding opportunities and support the preparation of new applications.

What You Bring

• Experience: A minimum of 3 years in public funding, grants, R&D subsidies or innovation financing, ideally in national and/or EU‑funded programs (IPCEI, PERTE, CDTI, Horizon Europe, Next Generation EU).
• Solid knowledge of Spanish grant regulations and justification processes (Ley General de Subvenciones, ministerial orders, electronic registry procedures).
• Familiarity with DNSH requirements, state aid rules and grant audit processes.
• Strong organizational skills, rigor with documentation and absolute respect for deadlines.
• Languages: Fluent Spanish and English (written and spoken).

Tools

• Advanced Excel for budget tracking, planning and reporting.
• Document management tools.
• AI / Automation tools (Claude, Notion or similar) are valued.

Nice to have

• Previous experience in consultancy firms specialized in public funding (Big 4, innovation funding consultancies or in‑house roles).
• Experience with IPCEI or PERTE projects in industrial or semiconductor environments.
• Experience preparing or supporting grant audits (auditor reports, controls by public intervention bodies).

What We Offer

• Development and growth: you will manage a multi‑million public funding portfolio linked to strategic and innovation projects, with development opportunities in a fast‑growing technology scale‑up.
• Flat hierarchies and open communication. You will take ownership and take full responsibility for the projects you are involved in.
• Culture of innovation with a shared passion for technology.
• Flexible working hours, intensive working hours on Fridays and three summer months.
• 10 hours of telework per week.
• Free Medical insurance for the employee and discounts for family members.
• Free English/Spanish classes.
• Ticket Restaurant option.
• Training plan and development opportunities.

Employment conditions

• Indefinite full‑time contract.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment, with ambitious and innovative projects.
• A very good working atmosphere with competent, motivated and friendly colleagues, open to the international level.
• Salary: To be negotiated based on candidate´s experience.

Interested in this position?

Join our team and help shape the future of optical networking.