Senior Program Manager
Infleqtion
Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world’s most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading-edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables “quantum everywhere” through our ecosystem of devices and platforms.
Position Summary
The Program Manager within the Quantum Sensing Solutions (QSS) Group is responsible for the successful execution of leading-edge quantum technology and solutions development programs, ensuring delivery within scope, schedule, budget, and quality requirements. The QSS program portfolio composition is comprised of programs of varying size and spanning applications and solutions across time and frequency systems and other sensing modalities including RF sensing, gravimetry and gravity gradiometry, inertial sensing, and others. This role leads a multidisciplinary team, manages customer relationships, and drives program performance through effective planning, risk management, and communication. Responsibilities will also include the management of internally funded research and development, and/or product development projects, and participation in the regular cadence of business operations required for execution of direct and indirect projects.
What You’ll Do
- Responsible for overall program leadership and success, direction and guidance that ensures successful program execution in accordance with the budget, schedule, contract, Statement of Work and technical specifications.
- Focal point for establishing program execution goals and strategy in a fast paced and often dynamic environment. Create the vision that energizes and enables the team to win and deliver new technologies and capabilities to objective markets.
- Act as the main interface with the Customer and Infleqtion stakeholders on all program related subjects.
- Lead technical, manufacturing, and subcontracts staff in execution of the contract.
- Responsible for the program’s major metrics – sales, bookings, profit, and maintaining customer relationships.
- Review and evaluate the program status on a continuing basis per established company practices, and work unplanned program issues to a best solution, including development of plans-forward, escalation and increased resources, as required. When necessary, lead root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Work closely with QSS executive management to communicate program progress and resolve issues and concerns.
- Work with engineering operations management to ensure the program is staffed with appropriate skill levels and that work is being accomplished according to plan.
- Ensure that all business is conducted using the highest ethical standards and in compliance with all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations.
- Identify and ensure required compliance with government, contractual, and company regulations, policies/procedures and guidelines; negotiate acceptance / approval of all program plans with internal interfaces and the customer
- Coordinate the shared use of capital assets and company facilities with other programs.
- Ensure that program requirements, purposes, objectives, and expectations are communicated and flowed down to the internal team and subcontractors.
- Develop and monitor fidelity of the program baseline including definition of tasks, program budgets and program schedules.
- Employ proactive risk & opportunity management processes and practices to mitigate or capture potential program issues and improvements.
- When contractually required or directed by internal execution controls, employ Earned Value (EV) and Earned Value Management (EVM) processes and practices including variance reporting.
- Lead and/or support in the development of program add-on/follow-on activities including capture planning, program execution strategies, definition of assumptions and ground rules, and developing executable program plans.
- Participate in proposal preparation activities in support of new business capture opportunities with existing and/or new customers and programs.
- Lead technical, contracts, and subcontracts staff in monitoring performance of subcontractors performing on the contract.
- Direct the work of program leads and other designated staff supporting contract execution, delegate critical functions, as required.
- Provide leadership to the program team, balancing the needs of the program with individual expectations. Be an advocate for career development of members of the program team. Provide inputs to performance management processes as required.
- Create a motivational environment where team members understand the customer mission and objectives, are fully engaged and empowered to execute, and are recognized for their performance. Foster a collaborative culture emphasizing technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Resolve conflicts, demands and priorities on assigned programs.
- Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
Key Skills and Traits
- Strategic Leadership: Ability to guide program direction and motivate teams.
- Financial Acumen: Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and Earned Value Management (EVM).
- Communication: Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of risks.
- Problem Solving: Resolves complex program challenges efficiently.
- Customer Focus: Understands and aligns program execution with customer needs.
On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.
- BS/BA in related field plus 10 years or more related experience.
- Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
- Experience in program and procurement management responsibilities for tactical or space qualified hardware.
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully with demanding customers, difficult schedules, and technically challenging projects.
- Ability to utilize standard program status tools including:
- Understanding of the risk and opportunity management process as related to program plan.
- Understanding of Change Control process to control, monitor and resolve internal and external changes related to Program plan.
- Earned Value (EV) and Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) including variance reporting.
- Program performance reporting status including program highlights, Cost Performance Index (CPI), Schedule Performance Index (SPI), schedule progress, technical status and Customer Relations.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent presentation development and delivery skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and relationship development skills.
- Familiarity with general government contractual requirements.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Experience with an ISO 9001 environment.
- Familiarity with fast-paced product development, New Product Introduction (NPI) and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) challenges.
- The ability to obtain a US Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
- Employer-funded Health Savings Account
- Unlimited PTO
- 401(k) match
- Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Flexible Savings Account
- Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Student Loan Repayment