Senior Program & Project Manager - Quantum Research

Quandela is a leading quantum computing company. Quandela designs, builds, and delivers industry-grade quantum computing solutions, including datacenter-ready quantum computing systems, cloud-accessible quantum processors, and algorithm services with industrial value. Quandela is committed to making advanced quantum computing accessible to all, empowering innovators to solve the most pressing industrial and societal challenges.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Program & Project Manager with a strong scientific background to lead strategic and research program in the United States.

Reporting to the CEO, this role requires a unique combination of technical leadership, program management excellence, and strategic coordination across multidisciplinary teams.

The successful candidate will manage R&D activities in quantum computing, combining topics in integrated photonics, electronics, algorithms, and software, ensuring scientific breakthroughs are translated into tangible deliverables aligned with projects milestones and the company’s long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Project Management

• Actively engage with new research projects in the field of quantum computing and quantum technologies
• Lead the overall program governance of such project, ensuring objectives, timelines, and budgets are met.
• Establish and monitor KPIs, milestones, risk assessments, and mitigation plans in compliance with program requirements.
• Coordinate reporting, documentation, and communication with program officers, stakeholders, and internal leadership.
• Develop and oversee detailed project plans, including resource allocation, work breakdown structures, and critical path analyses.
• Ensure regulatory and contractual compliance, including export control, IP management, and security aspects related to U.S. defense research projects.

Scientific & Technical Leadership

• Oversee and coordinate interdisciplinary R&D teams (quantum physics, photonics, electronics, algorithms, software engineering) as they are progressively recruited and established.
• Define and refine ambitious yet realistic technical roadmaps in collaboration with research leads and senior scientists.
• Drive the transition from scientific ideation to prototyping and validation, ensuring timely delivery of demonstrators.
• Stay at the forefront of quantum science and technology trends quantum computing, integrated photonics, and hardware/software architectures, providing insights to influence strategic decisions.

Team Leadership & Mentoring

·       Lead the recruitment and onboarding of scientists, engineers, and project leads across multiple disciplines (quantum physics, photonics, electronics, algorithms, software).

·       Build and structure a high-performing R&D team from the ground up, ensuring alignment with program objectives and company vision.

·       Establish clear roles, processes, and collaboration frameworks to enable efficient project execution.

·       Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and cross-disciplinary collaboration within a newly formed and rapidly scaling team.

Strategic Partnerships & Representation

• Act as the primary program interface with project stakeholders and funding institutions promoting Quandela’s technology.
• Build and strengthen strategic collaborations with universities, national laboratories, and industrial partners to accelerate innovation
• Represent the company in high-level conferences, workshops, and consortium meetings, enhancing scientific visibility and credibility.

• Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in physics, quantum technologies, photonics, engineering, or a related field; combined with strong experience in program or project management.
• Proven track record (10+ years) in managing complex, multi-stakeholder R&D programs, ideally within defense, aerospace, or advanced technologies.
• Solid understanding of quantum information science and/or integrated photonics is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management methodologies (PMI, PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Hybrid frameworks).
• Experience with U.S. government-funded projects, including reporting and compliance.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to influence at executive and scientific levels.
• Strong ability to bridge scientific vision with operational execution, ensuring alignment between long-term strategy and short-term deliverables.
• Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must be U.S. citizens in order to meet government program and security requirements.

• The opportunity to lead strategic national programs at the forefront of quantum technologies.
• A collaborative, innovative environment bridging cutting-edge science and industrial applications.
• Competitive compensation package, including relocation support if required.
  

The chance to shape the future of quantum computing with one of the leading players in the field