Manufacturing Operations Manager

Job description

Qrypt's mission is to protect the world's data and restore privacy. Qrypt hardens cybersecurity and future-proofs encryption against quantum attacks by eliminating key transmission. Qrypt's unique technology independently generates symmetric keys at multiple endpoints for critical workflows today. We are a passionate team of engineers, physicists, and cryptographers committed to transforming the way the world safeguards data and communications! Qrypt is looking for a Manufacturing Operations Manager to own how our quantum hardware gets built, sourced, and shipped. You will manage our contract manufacturers, run production schedules, keep inventory of long-lead components, and coordinate the internal builds that get our Quantum Entropy Appliances into customers' hands. As we scale from hand-assembled units to volume, you will also drive new and revised designs through manufacturing — from first article through ramp. This is the person who makes sure the hardware is there, on time, at the quality we promise. ### What you'll do - Own the relationship with our contract manufacturers (CMs) and key component suppliers: quoting, POs, pricing, capacity, quality, and performance. - Build and manage production schedules across the CMs and our internal build team; track builds to plan and keep leadership informed of status and risk. - Own inventory of critical and long-lead components (entropy cards, boards, chassis, and gating parts); forecast demand, set reorder points, and prevent stock-outs from slipping deliveries. - Coordinate internal production and final assembly, including packaging, crating, and shipment of finished appliances. - Drive new product introduction (NPI): move new and revised hardware designs from engineering through first article, validation builds, and ramp to volume production. - Partner with hardware engineering on design-for-manufacturability, engineering change orders, and yield/quality improvements. - Establish and maintain the manufacturing processes, documentation, and quality practices needed to scale production repeatably. - Identify and remove the biggest risks to delivery dates — component availability, CM capacity, repeatable assembly, and QA. ### What you'll need - Bachelor's degree in an engineering, supply chain, or related technical field, or equivalent work experience. - 8+ years in manufacturing operations, manufacturing program/project management, or supply chain, including direct ownership of a contract-manufacturer relationship. - Hands-on experience manufacturing electronics / hardware products (PCBAs, boards, or electromechanical systems) — not general/non-technical manufacturing. - Proven track record managing production schedules, inventory, and supplier performance for a physical product. - Experience taking a hardware product through NPI and into volume production (EVT/DVT/PVT or equivalent). - Strong command of purchasing, forecasting, and inventory/BOM management. - Excellent written and verbal communication; able to keep engineering, suppliers, and leadership aligned. - Willingness to travel to CM and supplier sites as needed. - Fluency with AI and agent-assisted workflows. Working with AI tools is core to how we operate at Qrypt, and it is expected of everyone here. - Must be authorized to work in the United States. Qrypt does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. ### Nice to have - Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and manufacturing quality practices. - Experience with FIPS 140-3 validated hardware, or building products subject to security/compliance certification. - Experience scaling a product from low-volume/hand-assembled builds to volume manufacturing. ### Benefits & Perks - Competitive Pay & Equity participation - Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage - 401(k) match - In-office lunch and snacks - The opportunity to be part of a company solving one of the most critical technology challenges of our time!