Director / VP of Manufacturing – Next-Generation Airborne Quantum Systems

Director / VP of Manufacturing – Next-Generation Airborne Quantum Systems Application Deadline:Open until filled (target start: February–March 2026)Job TypeWorkspaceHybridJob Description Ainabl is scaling the world’s first airborne-qualified, fault-tolerant quantum-secure networking systems from early Phase-0 units in 2026-2027 to full constellation delivery by 2030.We are seeking a Director/VP of Manufacturing to stand up and lead defense-grade integration, test, and production operations for our trapped‑ion quantum transceivers (qNIC-200 → qNIC-1000 series). You will own the integration facility (CMMC 2.0), build the processes and team that deliver DO-160G/MIL-STD-qualified hardware to the Top-tier (e.g., Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Dassault, and allied primes), and scale output from 500 units/year by 2030.Responsibilities Build and lead the quantum hardware integration and test facility (cleanroom + cryogenic test cells)Own production planning, yield improvement, and cost reduction across the qNIC-200/300/500/1000 roadmapImplement FAR/DFARS-compliant EVMS, quality systems (AS9100-equivalent), and full traceabilityScale assembly, alignment, and cryogenic qualification of ion-trap modules, optical sub-systems, and permanent-magnet shielding assembliesDrive transition from engineering prototypes to rate production while maintaining airborne environmental qualificationsLead make/buy decisions and potential in-house finishing of critical magnetic components (2028+)Hire, mentor, and grow a 30–50 person manufacturing engineering and technician organization by 2030Partner with Supply Chain Lead on vendor qualification and incoming quality controlRequirements Qualifications15+ years building and scaling precision electro-optical, cryogenic, or quantum hardware manufacturing operationsProven track record taking novel airborne or space-qualified systems from early stages TRL → TRL 9 and rate productionPrior leadership of AS9100/DO-160/MIL-STD manufacturing environmentsExperience standing up CMMC 2.0-compliant facilities and processesU.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain TS/SCI required (ITAR)Preferred SkillsPrevious VP Manufacturing or Director of Operations role at IonQ, Quantinuum, Rigetti, BAE Systems Airborne, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, or equivalentHands‑on experience with trapped‑ion, superconducting, or photonic quantum hardware integrationDeep expertise in permanent‑magnet assembly, cryogenic integration, or vibration‑sensitive optical alignmentActive TS/SCI strongly preferredWhy Join Ainabl? Own manufacturing scale‑up for the defining quantum‑secure datalink programs of the 21st centuryExecutive compensation ($280–$380K base + 1.5–3% equity) with full benefitsWork directly with ex‑DARPA PMs, Northrop/Raytheon alumni, and the primes integrating our hardware into every 6th‑gen platformAccelerate your network and impact inside the most important U.S. and allied programsRecruitment Process Application Review: Shortlist notified within 3 business daysInitial Screen: 45‑minute call with CEODeep‑Dive Interview: 2‑hour session with CEO and leadershipCustomer/Clearance Validation & ReferencesOffer: Verbal offer within 48 hours of final interviewTarget Start: February–March 2026About the Company At Ainabl, we are the only team shipping airborne‑qualified quantum networking hardware today. We are seeking a world‑class manufacturing leader to build the production engine that will deliver thousands of quantum‑secure nodes by 2030. If you have taken cutting‑edge quantum or airborne systems from lab to factory, this is your opportunity.Additional Information Location:Boston, USA (Hybrid; primary U.S. manufacturing site: integration facility)This role requires routine access to TS/SCI and ITAR‑controlled information#J-18808-Ljbffr