VP of Research & Development

Maybell Quantum; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible PTO

Equity options

Job summary

Maybell Quantum is seeking a Vice President of Research & Development to lead and scale our scientific organization, bridging long-range quantum research with near-term product delivery. Reporting to the CSO, you will build a world-class team and drive strategy, roadmap, and execution of cryogenic hardware initiatives.

This senior role requires 10+ years in deep-tech, 7+ years of leadership, and a track record securing large R&D budgets.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Cryogenic Engineering, or closely related field.
• 10+ years in deep-tech environments, preferably hardware or cryogenic systems.
• 7+ years of people leadership, managing scientists or multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven track record of managing R&D budgets exceeding $5M.
• Ability to translate complex research into scalable commercial applications.
• Experience securing and managing government grants or external contracts is desirable.
• Thrives in high-growth, fast-paced startups with ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Drive R&D vision and scientific roadmap aligned with product strategy.
• Own master schedule and ensure milestones and deadlines are met.
• Translate science projects into engineering initiatives with ROI focus.
• Proactively identify risks and re-allocate resources to stay on track.
• Build and mentor a growing team of scientists and researchers.
• Establish goals, OKRs, and career development for staff.
• Pursue non-dilutive funding and manage external partnerships.
• Oversee budgeting, lab infrastructure, and governance processes.

Skills

Leadership

Translation skills

Startup DNA

Team building

Resource management

Education

PhD in Physics / Cryogenic Engineering

Job description

Vice President of Research & Development

About Us

Maybell Quantum is redefining the future of computing. As a venture-backed quantum hardware innovator experiencing rapid growth, we're building technology that will transform industries for decades to come. Quantum computers will be as transformative to the next 30 years as the internet was to the last 30. Our team is creating the hardware foundation to make this revolution possible.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Vice President of R&D to lead, scale, and operationalize our scientific research organization. This is a pivotal executive role responsible for executing our R&D strategy and bridging the gap between long-term scientific innovation and near-term commercial reality.

Reporting to the CSO and partnering closely with Product & Manufacturing leadership, you will build a high-performing scientific team and ensure that our breakthroughs in cryogenic technologies transition effectively into engineered, manufacturable, and commercially viable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Strategy & Roadmap Alignment

• Drive the Vision: Execute Maybell Quantum's R&D vision and scientific roadmap, ensuring strict alignment with executive leadership and product strategy.
• Milestone-Driven Research: Execute the R&D roadmap with strict alignment to product launch windows. Ensure research activities are gated by clear, time-bound objectives.
• Scope Discipline: Manage scope creep aggressively. Balance the desire for scientific perfection with the necessity of commercial timing and product requirements.
• Technical Stewardship: Support R&D Leads in executing foundational research, but strictly within the context of business priorities and delivery dates.

Rigorous Project Execution & Delivery

• Timeline Accountability: Own the R&D master schedule. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring research projects hit their deadlines and critical path milestones.
• Predictable Output: Transformation of "science projects" into managed engineering initiatives. You will implement frameworks that bring predictability to inherently uncertain deep-tech research.
• Risk & Blocker Management: Proactively identify technical and schedule risks early. decisive action to remove blockers and re-allocate resources to keep projects on track.

Organizational Leadership & Culture

• Team Building: Build, mentor, and manage a growing team of world-class scientists and researchers.
• Performance Management: Establish clear goals, OKRs, and career development paths for scientific staff.
• Culture of Excellence: Foster a rigorous, collaborative, and inclusive research culture that maintains high scientific standards while embracing startup agility.

Research Funding & External Engagement

• Secure Resources: Identify and pursue major non-dilutive funding opportunities, including government grants (e.g., DARPA, DOE), strategic partnerships, and collaborative research programs.
• Proposal Leadership: Coordinate proposal development and technical contributions, acting as the primary scientific liaison for external partners and grant agencies.

Operational Excellence

• Resource Management: Own the R&D planning process, including), resource allocation, and lab infrastructure planning.
• Process Optimization: Establish efficient processes for research prioritization, peer review, and decision-making to maximize ROI on research spend.

Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Cryogenic Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in deep-tech environments, with a preference for hardware or cryogenic systems.
• Leadership: 7+ years of people leadership experience, specifically managing scientists or multidisciplinary research teams.
• Financial Acumen: Proven track record of managing R&D budgets exceeding $5M.
• Translation Skills: Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific research into real-world, scalable commercial applications.
• Funding Success: Experience securing and managing government grants or external research contracts is highly desirable.
• Startup DNA: Thrive in high-growth, fast-paced environments where ambiguity is common and adaptability is required.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation:
• Base salary $180,000-$230,000
• Additional compensation through performance bonuses and equity options in one of the country's most promising startups.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, flexible PTO policy, and more
• Growth Trajectory: Significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement in a rapidly scaling organization
• Impact: Direct influence on the success of a company developing revolutionary technology
• Exceptional Team: Collaboration with world-class scientists, engineers, and business leaders who are defining a new industry

Maybell Quantum is solving incredibly challenging problems at the cutting edge of physics and engineering. Don't meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workforce, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we still encourage you to apply.

Maybell Quantum is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team.