Title: Director, Quantum Technologies
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Sterling, Virginia & Winchester, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt
Role Summary:The Director of Quantum Technologies is responsible for building and advancing Heven AeroTech's quantum capabilities to support defense and national security missions. This role focuses on identifying practical, high-impact applications of quantum technologies, including sensing, secure communications, and advanced computing, and translating them into deployable systems that perform in contested and GPS-denied environments.
This leader works across Engineering, Product, and Business Development to connect emerging technologies with real mission needs, helping shape programs, partnerships, and long-term growth. Success in this role requires a balance of technical depth, execution focus, and customer alignment-paired with the humility to listen and adapt, the hunger to push progress forward, and the interpersonal intelligence to lead effectively across teams and stakeholders.
Essential Responsibilities:- Develop and execute a focused quantum roadmap aligned with defense priorities and mission needs, demonstrating ownership and urgency in delivering results
- Identify and prioritize high-value applications, balancing speed, risk, and impact while continuously seeking better approaches
- Provide clear, grounded input to leadership on technical direction, tradeoffs, and investment decisions, with the confidence to challenge assumptions constructively
- Lead and support capture efforts across SBIR/STTR, OTA, and programs of record with persistence and a proactive mindset
- Build trusted relationships with DoD stakeholders, primes, and research partners through credibility, transparency, and strong interpersonal judgment
- Align technical development with customer needs to convert capability into funded programs
- Oversee development, prototyping, and integration of quantum capabilities into Heven platforms, staying closely engaged with execution details
- Drive transition from early-stage work into operational systems and scalable programs, maintaining momentum through ambiguity and change
- Ensure solutions are practical, fieldable, and aligned with system-level constraints
- Partner closely with Engineering, Product, and Manufacturing, fostering collaboration and shared ownership of outcomes
- Support system-level trade studies, testing, and iterative refinement with openness to feedback and learning
- Stay connected to real-world constraints and adjust approach as needed without ego or rigidity
- Build and lead a focused, high-performing team of scientists, engineers, and program leaders
- Set clear priorities and expectations while remaining accessible and engaged with the team
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and mutual respect
- Mentor and develop team members, investing in their growth and success
- Ensure alignment with DoD acquisition processes and program requirements
- Maintain compliance with ITAR/EAR and security standards
- Support execution of work in secure and classified environments
Qualifications & Experience:Required:- Advanced degree in Quantum Physics, Engineering, or related field (PhD preferred)
- 10-15+ years of experience in quantum technologies, defense systems, or applied R&D
- Experience transitioning technologies from research into operational or defense applications
- Familiarity with defense acquisition, program capture, and contract execution
- Strong understanding of at least one quantum domain (sensing, communications, or computing)
- Demonstrated ability to lead with humility, take initiative, and build strong, trust-based relationships
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Preferred:- Experience working with DoD, DARPA, or national laboratories
- Background in aerospace, autonomy, or unmanned systems
- Experience in fast-paced or scaling environments, with a track record of stepping in where needed to drive outcomes
- Established relationships within defense and/or quantum ecosystems
- Proven ability to influence across technical and non-technical stakeholders with strong interpersonal awareness
Physical Requirements:- Ability to work in a standard office environment, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer
- Ability to communicate effectively with team members, partners, and stakeholders in person, via video, and by phone
- Ability to occasionally travel to customer sites, test ranges, manufacturing facilities, and partner locations, which may include air and ground travel
- Ability to access and move within laboratory, manufacturing, and test environments, which may include walking, standing, climbing stairs, and navigating uneven terrain
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry items up to 20 pounds (e.g., equipment, prototypes, or materials)
- Ability to use standard office and technical equipment, including computers and communication devices
- Ability to work in secure or classified environments in accordance with facility and government requirements
- Ability to comply with applicable safety requirements, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when required in lab or field settings
Benefits Overview:Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.
