Executive Chief Technology Officer, Defense (Remote Considered)

Executive Chief Technology Officer, Defense (Remote Considered) Ainabl is delivering the world’s first airborne-qualified, revenue-generating quantum-secure networking systems for next-generation defense platforms (JADC2, NGAD, FCAS, Tempest). We are seeking an exceptional Executive Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to own the complete technical vision, architecture, and execution roadmap of our trapped-ion quantum networking hardware stack through TRL 9 and cumulative revenue by 2030. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead an elite quantum engineering organization scaling from 10 logical qubits (qNIC-200) to 100+ logical qubits by 2030 (qNIC-1000), while maintaining the industry’s only airborne-qualified form factor. Responsibilities Own end-to-end system performance: logical qubit count, key refresh latency, jam resistance, error rates, SWaP-C, and environmental qualification (DO-160G/H, MIL-STD-810H) Lead architecture evolution of trapped-ion control, error correction, real-time decoding (FPGA → ASIC), cryogenics, and modular scaling subsystems Direct a world-class quantum engineering team (PhDs, FPGA/ASIC designers, systems engineers) across integration sites Serve as the primary technical authority to strategic customers (e.g., Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Dassault, BAE, Thales) and government stakeholders (Sandia, DARPA, ONR, DGA) Drive certification, radiation-hardening, and ITAR/CMMC compliance for airborne and space variants Manage technical risk, CapEx allocation (R&D 2026–2030), and vendor partnerships (e.g., Oxford Instruments, Bluefors, Airbus DS, etc.) Co-author patent portfolio and represent Ainabl Quantum at classified and public technical forums Requirements Qualifications PhD in Physics, Quantum Engineering, EE, or related field 10+ years in quantum hardware development with direct trapped-ion, superconducting, or photonic quantum systems experience Proven track record taking quantum hardware from TRL 4 → TRL 9, ideally in defense or aerospace environments Multiple issued patents and first-author publications in fault-tolerant quantum computing or quantum communication Active or recently active TS/SCI clearance strongly preferred (mandatory within 12 months) U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required (ITAR) Preferred Skills Former technical leadership at Quantinuum, IonQ, PsiQuantum, Rigetti, or equivalent national lab/program (LANL, Sandia, MIT Lincoln Lab, DARPA) Deep expertise in quantum error correction (surface codes, cat states, bosonic codes, real-time decoding) Hands‑on experience with airborne qualification (DO-160, MIL-STD) or radiation-hardened electronics Prior success shipping revenue-generating quantum or crypto hardware to defense primes Experience scaling from 10 to 100+ logical qubits with constrained SWaP Why Join Ainabl? Be the technical co‑founder of the only company delivering revenue‑ready, airborne quantum-secure networking today Work on the most mission‑critical quantum defense programs on the planet with global impact Competitive executive compensation ($250–$350K base + 4–7% equity) and full benefits package Collaborate with industry leading executives, and world‑class trapped‑ion physicists in an intense, high‑trust culture Shape the future of quantum-secure battlespace communications and drive a significant outcome Recruitment Process Application Review: Shortlisted candidates contacted within 5 business days Initial Interview: 45‑minute virtual call with CEO Technical Deep‑Dive: 2‑hour presentation + whiteboard session with quantum leadership team Hybrid Interviews: On‑site and Virtual Participants Reference & Security Clearance Verification Offer: Verbal offer within 3 days of final interview; start target December 2025 – January 2026 About the Company At Ainabl, we forge quantum-secure hardware that delivers unbreakable communications for defense at the edge. We are the only team shipping airborne‑qualified, fault‑tolerant quantum networking systems today. If you have built and shipped mission‑critical quantum hardware under DARPA, ONR, or DGA scrutiny and are ready to own the technical destiny of the defining quantum defense & systems company of the decade, this is your opportunity. Additional Information Location: Boston, MA, USA (Hybrid – regular presence required in Cambridge, MA / other hubs, and sites; remote considered for exceptional candidates). This role involves access to ITAR-controlled and classified information; U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency required #J-18808-Ljbffr