Head of Operations Management (m/w/d)

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 a small team founded by MIT and Harvard scientists with deep roots in AI, optics, and quantum sensing, and backed by DARPA, NASA, and leading venture investors. 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 hiring an Operations Manager, reporting directly to the CEO, to keep Diffraqtion running as we scale. This is a hands-on role spanning facilities, people operations, IT, finance, contracts administration, and compliance. The Operations Manager will own these functions, build scalable processes from the ground-up, and coordinate with outside partners. NOTE: This position requires access to technical data subject to U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Facilities:

Manage day-to-day office and laboratory operations, including space planning, organization, supplies, and inventory.

People operations:

IT operations:

Oversee IT systems, security, and user support in partnership with outside providers.

Manage day-to-day finance operations, including payables, receivables, payroll, reimbursements, and timekeeping that meets federal contracting standards.

Manage nondisclosure and routine commercial agreements and track key obligations.

Support government contracts and subcontracts, including invoicing, registrations, and records.

Compliance:

Administer export control, security, and regulatory compliance programs, and proactively identify and close gaps.

Environmental health and safety (EHS):

Own workplace and laboratory safety programs, policies, and training.

Manage purchasing, vendor relationships, and corporate insurance.

Grants and incentives:

Pursue grants, tax credits, and other funding incentives.

Events and travel:

Coordinate company events, visitors, and travel, manage participation in external events, and support marketing and branding.

5+ years of operations experience at startups or small organizations, ideally in highly technical engineering or scientific research settings

Hands-on experience running facilities, including vendors, safety, and space planning

Working knowledge of HR administration, benefits, payroll, and accounts payable and receivable

Experience handling sensitive or confidential information

Comfortable working in ambiguity and building processes from scratch

Experience with federal contracting requirements, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), or Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) compliant accounting

Familiarity with export controls (International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR, and Export Administration Regulations) or cybersecurity requirements (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC, and NIST SP 800-171)

Experience with contract negotiation and complex legal agreements

Experience with laboratory, cleanroom, or light manufacturing facilities, or leading an office move or build-out

Experience administering Microsoft 365 or working with managed IT providers

We provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Diffraqtion is committed to equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact View email address on businessworkforce.com.