Overview
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
- Define and execute the multi-generation technical roadmap for airborne quantum-secure networking systems (qNIC-200 → qNIC-300 → qNIC-500 → qNIC-1000)
- 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 xAI Quantum at classified and public technical forums
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
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (benchmark tier)
- 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.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter highlighting their experience in quantum systems CTO to careers@ainabl.com with the subject line “Executive Chief Technology Officer Application – Your Name”. Join us in deploying real quantum advantage in the field.
Additional Information
- This role involves access to ITAR-controlled and classified information; U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency required
- Ainabl AI Quantum is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Hashtags
- #QuantumComputing #QuantumSecurity #DefenseTech #TrappedIons #QuantumNetworking #CTO #DeepTech #BostonTech #QuantumEngineering #NationalSecurity #JADC2 #NGAD #FCAS
