Director / VP of Manufacturing – Next-Generation Airborne Quantum Systems

Ainabl; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 280,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation with equity

Full benefits

Job summary

A leading quantum networking company is seeking a Director/VP of Manufacturing to lead the scaling of airborne quantum-secure networking systems. This role involves building a manufacturing facility, overseeing production planning, and managing a team of engineers. Ideal candidates will have over 15 years of experience in precision hardware manufacturing, particularly within AS9100 environments, and the ability to secure TS/SCI clearance. Competitive compensation is included.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in precision electro-optical or quantum hardware manufacturing.
• Experience in TRL transition from early stages to rate production.
• Command of AS9100/DO-160/MIL-STD environments.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the hardware integration and test facility.
• Own production planning and cost reduction.
• Hire and mentor a large manufacturing organization.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing operations

Experience with quantum hardware manufacturing

FAR/DFARS compliance

Production planning

Quality systems management

Job description

Director / VP of Manufacturing – Next-Generation Airborne Quantum Systems

Application Deadline: Open until filled (target start: February–March 2026)

Job Type

Workspace

Hybrid

Job Description

Ainabl is scaling the world’s first airborne-qualified, fault-tolerant quantum-secure networking systems from early Phase-0 units in 2026-2027 to full constellation delivery by 2030.

We are seeking a Director/VP of Manufacturing to stand up and lead defense-grade integration, test, and production operations for our trapped‑ion quantum transceivers (qNIC-200 → qNIC-1000 series). You will own the integration facility (CMMC 2.0), build the processes and team that deliver DO-160G/MIL-STD-qualified hardware to the Top-tier (e.g., Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Dassault, and allied primes), and scale output from 500 units/year by 2030.

Responsibilities

Build and lead the quantum hardware integration and test facility (cleanroom + cryogenic test cells)

Own production planning, yield improvement, and cost reduction across the qNIC-200/300/500/1000 roadmap

Implement FAR/DFARS-compliant EVMS, quality systems (AS9100-equivalent), and full traceability

Scale assembly, alignment, and cryogenic qualification of ion-trap modules, optical sub-systems, and permanent-magnet shielding assemblies

Drive transition from engineering prototypes to rate production while maintaining airborne environmental qualifications

Lead make/buy decisions and potential in-house finishing of critical magnetic components (2028+)

Hire, mentor, and grow a 30–50 person manufacturing engineering and technician organization by 2030

Partner with Supply Chain Lead on vendor qualification and incoming quality control

Requirements

Qualifications

15+ years building and scaling precision electro-optical, cryogenic, or quantum hardware manufacturing operations

Proven track record taking novel airborne or space-qualified systems from early stages TRL → TRL 9 and rate production

Prior leadership of AS9100/DO-160/MIL-STD manufacturing environments

Experience standing up CMMC 2.0-compliant facilities and processes

U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain TS/SCI required (ITAR)

Preferred Skills

Previous VP Manufacturing or Director of Operations role at IonQ, Quantinuum, Rigetti, BAE Systems Airborne, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, or equivalent

Hands‑on experience with trapped‑ion, superconducting, or photonic quantum hardware integration

Deep expertise in permanent‑magnet assembly, cryogenic integration, or vibration‑sensitive optical alignment

Active TS/SCI strongly preferred

Why Join Ainabl?

Own manufacturing scale‑up for the defining quantum‑secure datalink programs of the 21st century

Executive compensation ($280–$380K base + 1.5–3% equity) with full benefits

Work directly with ex‑DARPA PMs, Northrop/Raytheon alumni, and the primes integrating our hardware into every 6th‑gen platform

Accelerate your network and impact inside the most important U.S. and allied programs

Recruitment Process

Application Review: Shortlist notified within 3 business days

Initial Screen: 45‑minute call with CEO

Deep‑Dive Interview: 2‑hour session with CEO and leadership

Customer/Clearance Validation & References

Offer: Verbal offer within 48 hours of final interview

Target Start: February–March 2026

About the Company

At Ainabl, we are the only team shipping airborne‑qualified quantum networking hardware today. We are seeking a world‑class manufacturing leader to build the production engine that will deliver thousands of quantum‑secure nodes by 2030. If you have taken cutting‑edge quantum or airborne systems from lab to factory, this is your opportunity.

Additional Information

Location: Boston, USA (Hybrid; primary U.S. manufacturing site: integration facility)

This role requires routine access to TS/SCI and ITAR‑controlled information