Elevate Quantum Chief Operating Officer

Elevate Quantum (EQ) is America’s Quantum Tech Hub—designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce and representing the largest concentration of quantum organizations in the world. EQ operates at the center of a rapidly scaling ecosystem spanning industry, academia, national laboratories, and government across Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Our mission is to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technology and translate regional scientific leadership into lasting economic impact. EQ is not a traditional nonprofit—it is an execution engine responsible for deploying capital, standing up infrastructure, and delivering measurable outcomes across a diverse portfolio of programs. The organization operates across five core business units: Advanced Packaging Facility Focused on high-mix, low- to medium-volume production, this facility supports quantum and advanced photonics companies with capabilities such as advanced wirebonding, fiber-to-chip connectorization, flip chip, precision die attach, and metrology. In partnership with Sandia National Laboratories, EQ is helping bridge the gap between research and scalable manufacturing. Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Fabrication Facility A rapid-turn, low-volume fabrication facility designed for quantum-relevant materials (including silicon nitride and lithium niobate), enabling significantly faster iteration cycles than traditional foundries and supporting early-stage and scaling companies alike. Commercialization Labs A shared-use environment offering access to advanced equipment, lab space, and the nation’s first open-access, open-architecture quantum system. These labs provide critical infrastructure for testing, prototyping, and validating emerging technologies. Workforce Development Spanning Colorado and New Mexico, EQ’s workforce programs combine ecosystem coordination with hands‑on training delivered on real equipment. These programs are designed to build the next generation of quantum technicians and support a rapidly growing talent pipeline. Consortium Engagement EQ manages a 150+ member coalition and convenes the broader ecosystem through advisory boards, CEO roundtables, major events, and cross-state collaboration. The organization also partners with state and regional entities to attract companies, align strategy, and drive continued investment into the region. Together, these business units form a vertically integrated platform—one that spans infrastructure, talent, commercialization, and ecosystem activation. EQ’s role is to ensure these components operate cohesively to accelerate the path from scientific breakthrough to commercial deployment at scale. The Opportunity EQ is now in its execution phase. With tens of millions in active funding and a pathway to hundreds of millions more, the organization is transitioning from formation to scaled delivery. This role will be central to that transition. The Role The COO is a senior executive leader reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board and leadership team. You will be responsible for the day-to-day and long-term operations of EQ’s 3 core facilities (packaging, fab, and lab), overseeing the directors of each facility and ensuring alignment across programs. This includes: Direct oversight of facility directors and commercial operational teams Ownership over technical, programmatic decision making Accountability for facility-level execution and performance Ownership of timelines, milestones, and project delivery across facilities Oversight for reporting to track progress and performance You will work in close partnership with the CEO to set strategy, and with facility leaders to execute against it. This role sits at the center of execution and strategy—ensuring that complex infrastructure and technical programs all move forward in a coordinated and disciplined way. Key Responsibilities Facility Operations & Execution Oversee the strategic execution of EQ’s core facilities: Advanced Packaging Facility Ensure facilities are able to operate effectively, safely, and at high utilization Weigh in on technical decisions being made inside facilities (equipment procurement, product decisions, services decisions) Support facility directors in solving operational challenges and scaling capabilities Establish operational best practices across facilities PIC Fabrication Facility Ensure facilities are able to operate effectively, safely, and at high utilization Weigh in on technical decisions being made inside facilities (equipment procurement, product decisions, services decisions) Program Management & Delivery Own the tracking and execution of all major facility milestones and deliverables Build and implement program management systems to ensure visibility into progress, risks, and dependencies Ensure EQ hits all key contractual, funding, and operational milestones Identify risks early and drive mitigation strategies across teams Team Leadership & Organizational Alignment Lead and manage facility directors, ensuring alignment on goals, priorities, and performance expectations Build a high-performing operations culture focused on accountability and results Ensure clear communication and coordination across facilities and with the broader organization Strategic Execution Partner with the CEO to define facility-level and organizational strategy Translate strategy into clear, executable plans across facilities Continuously refine operating models to improve efficiency, output, and impact Help craft grant applications The Ideal Candidate You have led complex operations, infrastructure, and technical programs at scale and have experience working in deep tech manufacturing, labs, or infrastructure environments. You have experience managing multi-site or multi-program operations with clear accountability for results. You are highly execution-oriented—you bring structure, discipline, and follow-through. You have experience working in highly technical environments. You are an exceptional operator who can manage both people and systems effectively. You can operate at both the strategic level and in the details. Compensation and Location Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. Based in the Greater Denver Area, Colorado or Albuquerque, New Mexico. Frequent coordination across both states. #J-18808-Ljbffr