VP of Research & Development Denver, CO

Maybell Quantum; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Growth opportunities

Impact on technology

Collaborative team

Job summary

Maybell Quantum, based in Denver, seeks a Vice President of Research & Development to lead and scale a high-impact scientific organization. Translate breakthrough cryogenic research into manufacturable, commercially viable solutions and report to the CEO.

You will align R&D with product strategy, build a world-class team, manage budgets above $5M, pursue non-dilutive funding, and drive excellence in a fast-growing startup at the frontier of quantum hardware.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or related field.
• 10+ years in deep-tech environments, with hardware or cryogenic systems.
• 7+ years leading scientists or multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven track record of managing R&D budgets exceeding $5M.
• Ability to translate complex scientific research into scalable commercial applications.
• Experience securing and managing government grants or external contracts.
• Thrive in high-growth startup environments with ambiguity and rapid change.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the R&D vision and roadmap aligned with executive leadership and product strategy.
• Lead milestone-driven research with alignment to product launch windows.
• Balance scientific perfection with commercial timing and product requirements.
• Own the R&D master schedule and ensure milestones are met.
• Build and mentor a growing team of world-class scientists and researchers.
• Identify and pursue non-dilutive funding opportunities and manage external partnerships.

Skills

People leadership

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication

Budget management

Technology translation

Grant/funding coordination

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

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'rebuilding 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 creatingthehardware 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 CEO 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-boundobjectives.
• Scope Discipline: Manage scopecreepaggressively. 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 areultimately responsiblefor 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: Proactivelyidentifytechnical 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:Establishclear goals, OKRs, and career development paths for scientific staff.
• Culture of Excellence: Foster a rigorous, collaborative, and inclusive research culture thatmaintainshigh scientific standards while embracing startup agility.

Research Funding & External Engagement

• Secure Resources:Identifyand 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), resourceallocation, and lab infrastructure planning.
• Process Optimization:Establishefficient 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 ofpeopleleadership experience, specifically managing scientists or multidisciplinary research teams.
• Financial Acumen: Proventrack recordof managing R&D budgets exceeding $5M.
• Translation Skills:Demonstratedability 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 iscommonand adaptability isrequired.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation :
• Additionalcompensation through performance bonusesand 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 thecutting edgeof physics and engineering.Don’tmeet every single requirement?We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workforce, so ifyou’reexcited about thisrolebut your experiencedoesn’talignperfectly, we still encourage you to apply.

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