Senior Research Program Lead

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.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Research Program Lead with a strong scientific background to help drive key strategic and research program in the United States.

Reporting to the CEO, this role combines scientific leadership, strategic program coordination, and project management, working closely with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

The successful candidate will help guide R&D activities in quantum computing—spanning integrated photonics, electronics, algorithms, and software—ensuring scientific advances translate into coherent deliverables aligned with project goals and the company’s long-term vision.

• 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.
• Support and engage in new research programs in quantum computing and quantum technologies
• Coordinate program activities, ensuring objectives and timelines are clear and achievable
• Contribute to establishing KPIs, milestones, and risk assessments, and track progress against them
• Prepare and organize reporting, documentation, and communications with program officers, stakeholders, and internal leadership.
• Assist in developing project plans, including resource tracking and work breakdown structures, while collaborating with technical leads driving day-to-day execution
• Support compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements (export control, IP, security for U.S. defense-related research).

• Facilitate and coordinate interdisciplinary R&D efforts (quantum physics, photonics, electronics, algorithms, software engineering)
• Work with research leads and scientists to define and refine technical roadmaps
• Support the transition from scientific concepts to prototypes and validation milestones
• Stay informed on advances in quantum computing, integrated photonics, and hardware/software architectures, contributing insights to strategic discussions.

• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of scientists, engineers, and project coordinators
• Help build and structure a high-performing R&D environment aligned with program objectives
• Support the establishment of roles, processes, and collaboration frameworks to facilitate efficient execution
• Encourage a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and cross-disciplinary communication within a growing research team.

• Serve as a key point of contact for program stakeholders, collaborating with funding institutions and partners
• Contribute to building strategic collaborations with universities, national laboratories, and industrial partners.
• Represent the company at conferences, workshops, and consortium meetings to enhance visibility and engagement with the scientific community.

Advanced degree (PhD) in physics, quantum technologies, photonics, engineering, or a related field combined with strong experience in program or project management is mandatory.

• Proven experience (7–10+ years) contributing to or coordinating complex R&D programs, preferably in defense, aerospace, or advanced technology sectors
• Strong understanding of quantum information science and/or integrated photonics is highly desirable
• Familiar it…