VP Programs, Quantum Defense (Remote-Eligible)

Ainabl; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 270,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Full benefits

Equity options

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm is seeking a VP of Programs to oversee customer-facing program execution in quantum secure networking. This role involves managing key relationships and ensuring project delivery by driving the program execution for significant defense contracts. Ideal candidates will have over 15 years in aerospace program management, an active TS/SCI clearance, and the ability to lead high-performance teams. Executive compensation ranges from $270K to $350K base with equity options.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in defense/aerospace program management with experience on ACAT-I or equivalent programs.
• Proven track record of owning and winning major programs.
• Active TS/SCI clearance is mandatory.
• U.S. citizenship required due to ITAR.

Responsibilities

• Lead program execution and manage customer relationships.
• Convert existing pipeline into funded contracts by Q4 2026.
• Build and lead a program management team.
• Serve as primary interface to prime contractors and military organizations.
• Manage schedule, cost, and technical performance.

Skills

Defense/aerospace program management

Program ownership at major companies

Development of classified programs

Team leadership

Active TS/SCI clearance

Education

PMP, DAWIA Level III, or equivalent certification

Job description

Application Deadline: Open until filled (target start: December 15, 2025)

Job Type

Workspace

Hybrid

Job Description

Ainabl is the only company delivering airborne-qualified, revenue-generating quantum-secure networking systems today. With a clear path to licensing in 2026 and backlog in 2027, we are seeking a world-class VP of Programs to own all customer-facing program execution for JADC2, NGAD, FCAS, and related classified efforts. Reporting directly to the CEO and partnering closely with the CBO (Chief Business Officer), you will lead programs portfolio (e.g., Northrop Grumman and Raytheon program synchronization), convert existing LOIs into binding POs, and scale program management as we grow from 4–5 Phase-0 units in 2026 to full constellation delivery by 2030.

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day execution and customer relationships with primes (e.g., Northrop Grumman (JADC2 Block-2) and Raytheon (NGAD pod))

Convert existing pipeline into funded Phase-0 and follow-on contracts by Q4 2026

Build and lead a high-performance program management team (PMs, contracts, systems engineering representatives)

Serve as primary program interface to prime contractors, DARPA, ONR, Air Force, Navy, and allied MoDs

Manage schedule, cost, technical performance, and risk across all classified and unclassified programs

Drive Sandia QPT to flawless TRL 7 certification with redundant nodes and 30-day extension clause

Implement and maintain FAR/DFARS-compliant processes, EVMS, and CMMC 2.0 controls

Deliver 4–5 Phase-0 units in 2026 and scale to a significant backlog outcome by 2030

Coordinate with CTO and Director Certification to ensure airborne qualification milestones are met on time

Requirements

Qualifications

15+ years in defense/aerospace program management with direct experience on ACAT-I or equivalent programs

Proven track record of owning and winning major programs at Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, or Tier-1 equivalent

Former Program Director or Deputy on JADC2, NGAD, F-35, FCAS, Tempest, or similar 6th-gen platform strongly preferred

Active TS/SCI clearance (mandatory at start)

U.S. citizenship required (ITAR)

PMP, DAWIA Level III, or equivalent certification

Preferred Skills

Ex-military (O-5/O-6) or SES with joint or combatant command experience

Deep existing relationships inside Northrop Grumman Sector/division leadership and Raytheon RTX Quantum/Space & C2

Experience taking novel quantum, crypto, or directed-energy hardware from TRL 5 → TRL 9 under prime contractor oversight

Track record converting LOIs into sole-source or UCA contracts within 12–18 months

Why Join Ainabl?

Own the defining quantum-secure datalink programs of the 21st century battlespace

Work directly with DARPA PM alumni, ex-Northrop/Raytheon executives, and the primes who will integrate our hardware into every 6th-gen platform

Executive compensation ($270–$350K base + 2–3% equity) with full benefits

Be part of the core leadership team driving a significant defense quantum outcome

Accelerate your network and impact inside the most important U.S. and allied programs

Recruitment Process

Application Review: Shortlist notified within 3 business days

Initial Screen: 45-minute call with CEO

Deep-Dive Interview: 2-hour session with CEO and leadership

Customer/Clearance Validation & References

Offer: Verbal offer within 48 hours of final interview

Target Start: December 15, 2025

About the Company

At Ainabl, we are the only team shipping airborne-qualified, fault-tolerant quantum networking hardware today. If you have successfully led major defense programs at Northrop, Raytheon, or a peer prime and are ready to own the program execution of the most critical quantum defense company on the planet, this is your opportunity.

Additional Information

Location: Boston, MA / Cambridge, MA / other hubs, and sites / Remote-eligible (regular travel to customer sites required)

This role requires routine access to TS/SCI and ITAR-controlled information; active TS/SCI and U.S. citizenship mandatory