Operations Lead — Scale a Quantum Camera Startup

Diffraqtion; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Diffraqtion is hiring an Operations Manager to keep the company running as we scale. Reporting to the CEO, this hands-on role covers facilities, people operations, IT, finance, contracts, and compliance, with the aim of building scalable processes in a fast-paced startup environment.

The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, is a generalist, and is comfortable coordinating with outside partners. This position involves export control considerations under ITAR and requires U.S.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of operations experience at startups or small organizations.
• Hands-on experience running facilities, including vendors, safety, and space planning
• Working knowledge of HR administration, benefits, payroll, and accounts payable and receivable
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools (e.g. Claude, ChatGPT) to increase productivity and automate routine tasks
• Experience handling sensitive or confidential information
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and building processes from scratch
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Facilities: Manage day-to-day office and laboratory operations, including space planning, organization, supplies, and inventory.
• People operations: Support recruiting, onboarding, and offboarding, and administer employee benefits, HR records, and internal resources.
• IT operations: Oversee IT systems, security, and user support in partnership with outside providers.
• Finance and accounting: Manage day-to-day finance operations, including payables, receivables, payroll, reimbursements, and timekeeping that meets federal contracting standards.
• Contracts: Manage nondisclosure and routine commercial agreements and track key obligations.
• Government Contracting Admin: Support government contracts and subcontracts, including invoicing, registrations, and records.
• Compliance: Administer export control, security, and regulatory compliance programs, and proactively identify and close gaps.
• Environmental health and safety (EHS): Own workplace and laboratory safety programs, policies, and training.
• Procurement and insurance: Manage purchasing, vendor relationships, and corporate insurance.
• Grants and incentives: Pursue grants, tax credits, and other funding incentives.
• Events and travel: Coordinate company events, visitors, and travel, manage participation in external events, and support marketing and branding.
• Leadership support: Support board and investor reporting and maintain corporate records.
• Other responsibilities as required

Skills

Operations mgmt

Facilities management

HR administration

AI tools

Data privacy

Communication

Ambiguity tolerance

Job description

Diffraqtion is hiring an Operations Manager to keep the company running as we scale. Reporting to the CEO, this hands-on role covers facilities, people operations, IT, finance, contracts, and compliance, with the aim of building scalable processes in a fast-paced startup environment.

The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, is a generalist, and is comfortable coordinating with outside partners. This position involves export control considerations under ITAR and requires U.S.