VP of Operations

Quantum computing holds the promise of humanity's mastery over the natural world, but only if we can build a real quantum computer. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the first real, useful quantum computers, capable of delivering the world-changing applications that the technology has long promised. We know that means we will need to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within a scalable architecture, and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today's most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.

PsiQuantum has determined the fastest path to delivering a useful quantum computer, years earlier than the rest of the industry. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components at Tier-1 semiconductor fabs such as GlobalFoundries where we leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are already producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. We also benefit from the quantum mechanics reality that photons don't feel heat or electromagnetic interference, allowing us to take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems and industry standard fiber connectivity.

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced two government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first Quantum Data Centers and utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia and Chicago, Illinois. Both projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing's potential impact and the need to scale this technology to unlock that potential. And we won't just be building the hardware, but also the fault tolerant quantum applications that will provide industry-transforming results.

Quantum computing is not just an evolution of the decades-old advancement in compute power. It provides the key to mastering our future, not merely discovering it. The potential is enormous, and we have the plan to make it real. Come join us.

There's much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!

Job Summary:

The VP of Operations will manage multiple sites and it is a "hands on" working onsite role. Responsible for Pilot line test operation, subassemblies build, quality, planning, scale up of operations, and systems integration to insure tracking to PsiQ technology roadmaps timeline and costs. Responsible for implementing and scaleup of PsiQ QC (quantum computer) sites. Key deliverable is to operate the NPI build and test capability to feed data (electrical, optical, inspection, assembly manufacturability, etc.) to all development teams. The data is needed by semiconductor material and process development teams, component design teams, circuit design team and subassembly design and process development teams. A substantial deliverable of the VP of Ops is to establish systems and metrics that shed light on the areas of improvement related to cycle time and quality of the hardware and data. This position has a significant impact on the company's learning cycle. This role requires flexibility of thought, a strong "can do" attitude, problem-solving, excellent communication with teams across multiple disciplines and ability to ramp and learn quickly while "wearing multiple hats". The role requires a person who strives to understand constraints and needs of many teams in a very complex R&D environment which requires a mixture of discipline and flexible execution require constant rebalancing and maintenance.

Responsibilities:

• Execute operation goal of establishing a full functioning team at SLAC and Beta site, from hiring plan, oversee the facility improvement to be ready to accept PsiQ tool.
• Manage daily test lab performance working closely with the operations techs, Test & Measurement engineering team and development teams.
• Support and manage the implementation of standardize tester in term of hardware and software integration for both room temperature probers and Cryostats.
• Ensure operation team have full SOP (standard operating procedures) documents, available in our CMMS system, techs are fully trained and certified by engineering.
• Manage OEE (overall equipment effectiveness), meeting PsiQ quarterly OKR (objectives & key results) and continuous improvements.
• Coordinate with foundries PsiQ team and other engineering groups to help create and manage standard tests, clear data output requirement, automated test, and data analysis.
• Manage MES (manufacturing execution system) expanding the scope to interact and incorporate all software systems such as data warehousing, CMMS, financial and tracking of all materials internal and external throughout the supply chain. Generating periodic reports that drive day to day performance, products improvements, and management reports to maintain business plans pointing to gaps and good results.
• Setup and support the development of subassemblies builds and its required component selection.
• Manage operation budget, capex, hiring, infostructure build and cost savings.
• Project-managing and deliverable, execution milestone, schedule tracking for internal and external suppliers.
• Support PsiQ on going strategies working closely with the executive team to deliver on technology roadmap and operational objectives.
• Use best practices to maintain safe work environment for everyone and follow PsiQ policies and procedures.
• Create and execute full details site commissioning, working closely with cross functional teams.
• Aligns priorities ensures planning and prioritization of resources and work efforts, ensures alignment of direct and matrix reports to support organizational goals and business plans.
• Collaborate with onsite existing management team and operational teams to assure smooth implementations including third party licensing, delivery, construction, logistics, incoming acceptance test, etc.
• Implement, interpret, and manage policies and procedures pertaining to operations, facility management, engineering developments, wafer/Die testing, subassembly builds.
• Track site budget, and provide time and workforce needs and estimates to higher level management based on cost analyses.
• Seeks feedback from others and take ownership of, and actions to address what is learned, reorganizes impact on others and adjust as needed, pursues continuous learning opportunities implement meaningful development plan.
• Effectively motivates team members and foster a diverse and collaborative team environment, leverages team members strengths for overall team effectiveness, incorporates insights to improve team operations.
• Articulate a clear vision of expected outcomes, inspires others to execute work plans and feel a sense of purpose and ownership for the mission.
• Provide daily, weekly, monthly pass-down and updates to keep management engaged.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience working within small startup and large companies and users' needs and defined deliverables, including cost, headcount, facilitation, vendor selection, installation and upgrades as required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage short deadlines, changing priorities, and to follow a disciplined work process. Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experienced with optical systems, photonics systems and Cryo systems its very used.
• A self-starter with demonstrated leadership skills and ability to develop talent.
• Willing to support and manage off hours when needed (24X7 on call).
• Continuous improvement, business spending control, profitability and supporting sales, engineering, quality teams are a proven trait for success in this position.
• Ability to build relationships with multiple support group with strong interpersonal, communication and organization skills to be able to work with all levels of the organization from the founders of the company to techs.
• A lead by example person, lead from the front attitude when all hands-on-deck situations arise, get involved in day-to-day operations to assure peak performance and safe work environment for everyone.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in an applicable engineering discipline, such as Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or Physics.
• 15+ years of experience applying engineering principles to solve complex problems.
• Experience in design, analysis and assembly of subsystems, installation, and commissioning of equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Self-starter; Ability to "wear multiple hats" as needed to get things done and delivered.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide technical leadership in ambiguous situations.
• Strong management and organization skills.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.