Ainabl
Executive Chief Technology Officer, Defense (Remote Considered)
Ainabl is delivering the worlds 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 industrys only airborne-qualified form factor.
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., Manage technical risk, CapEx allocation (R&D 20262030), and vendor partnerships (e.g., Co-author patent portfolio and represent Ainabl Quantum at classified and public technical forums
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
S. citizenship or permanent residency required (ITAR)
Deep expertise in quantum error correction (surface codes, cat states, bosonic codes, real-time decoding)
Prior success shipping revenue-generating quantum or crypto hardware to defense primes
Be the technical cofounder of the only company delivering revenueready, airborne quantum-secure networking today
Work on the most missioncritical quantum defense programs on the planet with global impact
Competitive executive compensation ($250$350K base + 47% equity) and full benefits package
Collaborate with industry leading executives, and worldclass trappedion physicists in an intense, hightrust culture
Shape the future of quantum-secure battlespace communications and drive a significant outcome
Application Review: Shortlisted candidates contacted within 5 business days
Initial Interview: 45minute virtual call with CEO
Technical DeepDive: 2hour presentation + whiteboard session with quantum leadership team
Hybrid Interviews: Onsite and Virtual Participants
Reference & Security Clearance Verification
start target December 2025 January 2026
At Ainabl, we forge quantum-secure hardware that delivers unbreakable communications for defense at the edge. We are the only team shipping airbornequalified, faulttolerant quantum networking systems today. If you have built and shipped missioncritical 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.
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; S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency required
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