Phd Quantum Computing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Title: Director, Quantum Technologies
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Sterling, Virginia & Winchester, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt
About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people-we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.
We believe great teams are built on individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart-those who prioritize team success over individual recognition, take initiative to continuously improve, and demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact as you grow through hands-on experience and collaboration across the team.
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Budgeted Salary Range:
$220,000-$340,000 USD