Operations Manager

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

Company

Diffraqtion is building the world's first Quantum Camera, a device that replaces a conventional camera and edge AI processor by computing at the speed of light. We are a small team founded by MIT and Harvard scientists with deep roots in AI, optics, and quantum sensing, and backed by DARPA, NASA, and leading venture investors. We are delivering orders-of-magnitude improvements in resolution, processing speed, and energy efficiency for machines and satellites that need to see and think at the edge.

About This Role

We are hiring an Operations Manager, reporting directly to the CEO, to keep Diffraqtion running as we scale. This is a hands-on role spanning facilities, people operations, IT, finance, contracts administration, and compliance. The Operations Manager will own these functions, build scalable processes from the ground-up, and coordinate with outside partners. The ideal candidate is a generalist who thrives in an early-stage technical environment, enjoys wearing multiple hats, and takes pride in keeping a fast-paced startup moving forward.

NOTE: This position requires access to technical data subject to U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants who are not U.S. persons may need an export license or other U.S. government authorization before receiving that access.

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

Qualification

• 5+ years of operations experience at startups or small organizations, ideally in highly technical engineering or scientific research settings
• 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

Nice to Have (not required)

• Experience with federal contracting requirements, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), or Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) compliant accounting
• Familiarity with export controls (International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR, and Export Administration Regulations) or cybersecurity requirements (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC, and NIST SP 800-171)
• Experience with contract negotiation and complex legal agreements
• Experience with laboratory, cleanroom, or light manufacturing facilities, or leading an office move or build-out
• Experience administering Microsoft 365 or working with managed IT providers

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Diffraqtion is committed to fostering an inclusive and meritocratic workplace. We provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Diffraqtion is committed to equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact [e-mail].

IT IS UNLAWFUL IN MASSACHUSETTS TO REQUIRE OR ADMINISTER A LIE DETECTOR TEST AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW SHALL BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL PENALTIES AND CIVIL LIABILITY.