Program Manager

Diraq is building utility-scale quantum computers using silicon-based quantum dot technology. Our team brings together deep scientific, engineering, commercial and operational expertise to solve complex problems and create technology with global impact.

The ideal Program Manager for a quantum computing startup combines traditional program management rigor, deep-tech product development expertise, and the ability to thrive in a highly uncertain, research-driven environment. This individual brings experience in semiconductor or electronics fabrication, hardware assembly and integration, supply chain integration, and export control compliance, while providing the structure and discipline needed to coordinate complex, cross-functional initiatives.

Success in this role is demonstrated by implementing foundational program controls by improving visibility, functional and operational alignment, execution discipline, and risk management, while establishing governance without creating bureaucracy and improving schedule and resource predictability required to scale from laboratory innovation to commercial production.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities

• The Program Manager partners with Technical Program Managers (TPMs), systems engineers, engineering, organizational leads, functional teams, and external partners management to support disciplined, on-time execution.
• Supports Portfolio Management Office (PMO) to develop scaled programmatic processes and establish effective program governance, including review forums, decision logs, risk and issue tracking, change control, status reporting and escalation pathways.
• Partner with Technical Program Managers (TPMs), systems engineering and technical leads to define, document and maintain system-level requirements, interfaces, validation criteria.
• Ensure system integration, verification and validation activities are realistic, appropriately sequenced and aligned with program milestones, dependencies and readiness criteria.
• Facilitate evidence-based trade-off decisions across scope, schedule, cost, quality, technical performance and long-term system reliability.
• Partnering with Risk Manager and TPMs to proactively identify, assess and manage program risks, issues and assumptions, and coordinate mitigation actions to protect outcomes and end deliverables.
• Lead program communication by ensuring delivery teams understand changes, priorities, dependencies and decisions, and by providing regular, audience-appropriate stakeholder updates.
• Analyze program performance against agreed milestones and measures, remove or escalate blockers, and adapt plans and resources to support on-time execution.

Requirements

Required qualifications and experience

• Demonstrated experience in both program management and business/operations management within a complex, matrixed technical, engineering, research, production or similarly complex environment
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-disciplinary development programs from concept through productization.
• Strong capability in program planning and integrated program controls, including baseline and dependency management, risk and issue management, change control, resource planning and performance reporting.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering practices, including requirements definition, interface and dependency management, integration planning, verification and validation, and technical decision-making in a program context.
• Strong operational acumen, with the ability to balance strategic planning and hands-on execution while effectively managing budgets, resource capacity, priorities, and business trade-offs to achieve program objectives.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor detail for technical teams, senior leaders and other stakeholders.
• Strong executive communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all organizational levels.
• Tertiary qualification in business, engineering, science, technology, project management or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Preferred qualifications and experience

• 5-7+ years of program or project management experience in deep technology industries (quantum, semiconductors, superconducting electronics, photonics, advanced computing, aerospace, or defense) or other systems-intensive environments.
• Familiarity with PMBOK, Agile, Stage-Gate, or hybrid product development methodologies.
• Experience coordinating work across integrated project teams (IPTs), product, engineering, operations, research, and commercial functions.
• Formal project or program management certification, such as MSP, PgMP, PMP, or an equivalent credential.
• Experience establishing governance and delivery practices in a growing or rapidly changing organisation.

Capabilities

• Strategic thinking with strong execution discipline.
• Structured problem-solving and sound judgement under uncertainty.
• Collaborative leadership and stakeholder influence.
• Attention to detail while maintaining a program-level view.
• Adaptability, accountability and a continuous-improvement mindset.
• Organizational effectiveness in business and operation governance.
• Continuous improvement methodologies.
• Manage key aspects of contract budget including resources (people and materials).

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation package, including salary and equity.
• Comprehensive health cover plan.
• 401(k) retirement plan or similar retirement support.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements.