Head of Engineering

Head of Engineering Location: Somerville, MA (on-site) Employment Type: Full-Time Company Diffraqtion is building the world's first Quantum Camera, a device that replaces a conventional camera and edge AI processor by computing at the speed of light. We are backed by DARPA, NASA, and leading venture investors, and founded by MIT and Harvard scientists with deep roots in AI, optics, and quantum sensing. We are delivering orders-of-magnitude improvements in resolution, processing speed, and energy efficiency for machines and satellites that need to see and think at the edge. We are starting with Earth and space imaging, and this is just the beginning. About the role We are hiring a Head of Engineering to be the operational and people backbone of our team as we build quantum optical systems for terrestrial and space applications. This role is for someone who wants to be close to the work: running processes, tracking execution, removing blockers, and keeping a world-class team organized enough to move fast. You will work directly with the CTO, owning day-to-day rhythm across priorities, planning, and risk, while leading project management across customer and government programs. The ideal candidate has worked in technically complex hardware/software environments — aerospace, robotics, or defense — and knows what good engineering execution looks like, even when they're not the deepest domain expert in the room. The science is proven, government backing is in place, and a 10-person team of world-class engineers and scientists needs someone to help them scale without losing the speed and culture that got us here. If you get energy from making brilliant people more effective, this role is written for you. What you’ll do Drive engineering execution across internal development and customer programs, including planning, reviews, dependency management, and risk tracking. Build lightweight processes that improve speed, clarity, and accountability across software and hardware teams. Lead and support a growing multidisciplinary engineering team, including hiring and onboarding. Partner with company leadership to align engineering priorities with customer, program, and business goals. Manage external program execution, reporting, and deliverables for government and commercial partners including DARPA and NASA. Support day-to-day engineering operations including lab coordination, tooling, procurement, and vendor management. Required experience Note : This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligibility for authorization under U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR). 6+ years of engineering experience in a complex technical environment. 3+ years leading, managing, or serving as the day-to-day technical lead for engineers, delivering both software and hardware, in any of these domains: optics, semiconductors, quantum tech, robotics, aerospace, or defense. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in relevant science or engineering disciplines. Proven ability to own engineering execution: running planning, tracking deliverables and dependencies, managing program commitments. Strong technical judgment and the ability to earn trust from engineers across disciplines, even when you are not the deepest expert in every domain. Expert knowledge in project- and engineering management and methods. Preferred experience Experience with terrestrial or space-based sensing, imaging, telescope, or optical systems. Familiarity with design reviews, integration planning, verification, test campaigns, supplier coordination, or productization of complex physical systems. Experience using AI tools day to day to improve productivity, communication, documentation, planning, analysis, or engineering workflows. Active or prior DoD Security Clearance. Benefits Competitive salary and equity options. Medical, dental and vision - on 1st day and fully covered. Company 401K match. Company discounts. Unlimited PTO. Equal Opportunity Employer Diffraqtion is committed to fostering an inclusive and meritocratic workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify our Human Resources Department. #J-18808-Ljbffr