Vice President of Quantum Technologies

Heven AeroTech•Winchester, VA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

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. The Vice President 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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