Operations Lead: Startups, Compliance & Facilities

Diffraqtion; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Diffraqtion, a startup building a quantum camera with strong ties to MIT/Harvard researchers, is seeking an Operations Manager. The role spans facilities, people operations, IT, finance, contracts, compliance, and export controls.

You will build scalable processes and work closely with the CEO to keep operations moving as the company scales. The ideal candidate is a hands-on generalist who thrives in a technical, fast-paced environment, comfortable with ambiguity, and capable of implementing

Qualifications

• 5+ years of operations experience in startups or small teams.
• Hands-on experience running facilities, vendors, safety, and space planning.
• Working knowledge of HR administration, benefits, payroll, and AP/AR
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools (e.g. Claude, ChatGPT) to increase productivity
• 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 lab operations, including space planning, organization, supplies, and inventory.
• People operations: Support recruiting, onboarding, offboarding, and HR records, and administer benefits.
• IT operations: Oversee IT systems, security, and user support with partners.
• Finance and accounting: Manage day-to-day finance, including payables, receivables, payroll, reimbursements, and timekeeping for federal contracting standards.
• Contracts: Manage NDAs and routine commercial agreements and track obligations.
• Government contracting admin: Support government contracts, invoicing, registrations, and records.
• Compliance: Administer export control, security, and regulatory compliance, identify and close gaps.
• EHS: Own workplace and lab safety programs, policies, 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 events, visitors, travel, external events, and marketing support.
• Leadership support: Support board and investor reporting and maintain corporate records.
• Other responsibilities as required

Skills

Operations leadership

Facilities management

HR & payroll administration

AI productivity tools

Regulatory compliance

Tools

Microsoft 365

Vendor management

Job description

Diffraqtion, a startup building a quantum camera with strong ties to MIT/Harvard researchers, is seeking an Operations Manager. The role spans facilities, people operations, IT, finance, contracts, compliance, and export controls.

You will build scalable processes and work closely with the CEO to keep operations moving as the company scales. The ideal candidate is a hands-on generalist who thrives in a technical, fast-paced environment, comfortable with ambiguity, and capable of implementing