Supply Chain Lead – Critical Materials & Quantum Hardware (Defense Focus)

Overview

Ainabl is the only company delivering airborne-qualified, revenue-generating quantum-secure networking systems today. With a clear path to licensing and backlog, we are scaling from early Phase-0 units in 2026-2027 to full constellation delivery by 2030.

We seek an exceptional Supply Chain Lead to own the end-to-end sourcing, qualification, and dual-sourcing strategy for the high-performance permanent magnets, cryogenic components, and precision opto-mechanical assemblies that enable our trapped-ion quantum transceivers to meet the most demanding airborne SWaP and reliability requirements.

Reporting to the COO and partnering closely with the CTO and Director Certification, you will de-risk and scale the most critical non-silicon elements of the bill-of-materials as we move from qNIC-200 (2026) → qNIC-300/500/1000 (2027–2030).

Responsibilities

• Own supplier relationships and qualification for rare-earth permanent magnets (NdFeB/DyTb alloys), μ-metal shielding, ion-trap assemblies, and cryogenic sub-systems
• Build and execute a U.S./UK dual-source strategy with full ITAR/CMMC 2.0 compliance
• Drive second-source qualification for all magnet grades and cryogenic components by Q2 2027
• Negotiate long-term agreements (LTAs) and SLAs with tier-1 magnet producers, Oxford Instruments, Bluefors, and precision machining partners
• Implement supplier quality systems, incoming inspection protocols, and traceability for defense-grade hardware
• Manage CAPEX planning and make/buy decisions for potential in-house magnet processing or finishing lines (2028 )
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering on SWaP optimization and vibration-tolerant magnetic designs
• Support SBIR/STTR and Critical Materials Institute grant applications for domestic magnet supply-chain resilience

Qualifications

• 12 years in technical supply chain leadership for permanent magnets, rare-earth materials, or precision cryogenic hardware
• Proven track record scaling advanced magnetic materials or cryogenic systems from R&D to high-volume production
• Deep existing relationships with leading NdFeB/DyTb magnet manufacturers and coating/finishing houses (U.S., Japan, Europe)
• Experience implementing CMMC 2.0, ITAR, and DFARS-compliant supply chains
• Demonstrated success qualifying second sources under DoD or aerospace oversight

Preferred Skills

• Prior role in defense/aerospace (permanent magnets for actuators, sensors, or RF systems)
• Hands-on experience with hydrogen processing, calciothermic reduction, or sintering of high-performance rare-earth magnets
• Active or recent TS/SCI strongly preferred (ability to obtain mandatory)
• U.S. citizenship required (ITAR)

Why Join Ainabl?

• Be part of a mission-driven team delivering unbreakable quantum-secure communications for 6th-gen platforms
• Work on groundbreaking quantum hardware with global impact and defense advancements
• Competitive salary ($220–$300K base), meaningful equity (0.8–1.5%), and full benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Collaborate with DARPA alumni, ex-Northrop/Raytheon executives, and world-class quantum physicists
• Shape the most critical non-silicon supply chain in defense quantum technology

Recruitment Process

• Application Review: Shortlist notified within 3 business days
• Initial Screen: 45-minute call with CEO
• Deep-Dive Interview: 2-hour session with CEO and leadership
• Customer/Clearance Validation & References
• Offer: Verbal offer within 48 hours of final interview
• Target Start: February 2026

About the Company

At Ainabl, we are the only team shipping airborne-qualified quantum networking hardware today. We are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Lead to secure and scale the advanced magnetic and cryogenic materials that make our systems possible. If you have built and defended rare-earth or cryogenic supply chains at scale, this is your opportunity to own the physical foundation of the 21st-century battlespace datalink.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter highlighting their experience scaling rare-earth magnet or cryogenic supply chains to careers@ainabl.com with the subject line “Supply Chain Lead Application – Your Name”. Join us in deploying real quantum advantage in the field!

Additional Information

Location: Boston, MA, USA (Hybrid/Remote-eligible; primary hub: Cambridge, MA; regular travel to partner sites required)

• This role involves access to ITAR-controlled information; U.S. citizenship required

• Ainabl is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Hashtags

#DefenseTech #QuantumSecurity #SupplyChain #RareEarth #PermanentMagnets #DeepTech #ClearedJobs #QuantumNetworking #NationalSecurity