Hardware Platform Operations Manager

About the role :

Lead the team that builds, operates and maintains the cryogenic and electronic platform on which our quantum processors are tested; no prior quantum experience is required. This high-calibre team of six engineers and specialist technicians, including a highly experienced technical expert, runs the cooling cycles, wiring and instrumentation of a growing fleet of state-of-the-art cryostats operating at 10 millikelvin, a few thousandths of a degree above absolute zero, and builds new systems in-house. Reporting directly to the VP Quantum Hardware & Infrastructure, you will shape the operating model of this critical platform.

Responsibilities

• Platform availability: own uptime, build the preventive maintenance plan, lead troubleshooting
• Operations: plan and prioritise the team’s activity against internal user requests, and contribute hands-on when needed
• System integration: oversee the in-house assembly, integration and commissioning of new systems, run their testing and validation, through to final acceptance
• Suppliers: manage suppliers and subcontractors, their interventions and the quality of their work
• People and budget: recruit, develop and manage the team, own the budget, and set up on-call coverage as the platform grows

Requirements

• Proven experience as the direct line manager of a technical team: recruitment, 1:1s, performance reviews, priorities. Project or matrix coordination alone is not sufficient
• An engineering degree or equivalent, and hands-on experience with complex technical systems: you have built, operated, maintained or troubleshot them yourself
• An operational excellence mindset: lean management, continuous improvement, planning under constraints
• Pragmatism and curiosity: sound decisions with incomplete information, and a fast learning curve on new technologies
• Professional English; working French for day-to-day operations on site
• Experience from adjacent environments transfers directly: data centers, semiconductor fabs, large research facilities (synchrotrons, particle accelerators), medical imaging, or any setting where critical equipment must stay available

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with cryogenics (ideally dilution refrigerators), RF or microwave measurement, vacuum systems, or a maintenance management system (CMMS)

Working conditions

The platform spans two sites in Île-de-France, Aubervilliers and Paris 15th, with regular travel between them (roughly 80% Aubervilliers, 20% Paris 15th). This is a hands-on, on-site role.

Recruitment process

• Screening Call with Alexandra Talent Acquisition Specialist (30 min)
• Hiring Manager Interview with Antoine, your future manager  (45 min)
• Technical case study on site (60 min) — prepared and presented on the day, nothing to do beforehand
• Leadership and Fit Interview (60 min)