Sr Technical Product Manager - HPC Integration

1. Mission of the Role
To define, validate, and execute the integration strategy for QuEra’s quantum systems within classical HPC/AI infrastructure — identifying use cases, technical requirements, and the right ecosystem partners across the full value chain.

2. Core ResponsibilitiesA. Use Case Discovery & Technical Research

• Deeply study academic and industry papers on quantum-classical hybrid workflows, quantum HPC/AI Data center integration, and the accelerations of AI for Science/Quantum discovery via quantum computing.
• Identify high-value use cases (e.g., quantum chemistry, materials discovery, cryptoanalysis, optimization) relevant to HPC and AI centers
• Translate theoretical research into practical product requirements — what integration, APIs, or software layers are needed to run these use cases.
• Collaborate with research teams to maintain technical credibility when engaging HPC customers or partners.
• Co-design solutions with lighthouse customers to verify the feasibility

A. Value Chain Mapping

• Use the HPC value chain framework (hardware → integration → data center → middleware → workloads → services) to:
• Map current players (AWS, HPE, NVIDIA, etc.) and their quantum readiness.
• Identify where quantum computing fits within this chain (e.g., as accelerator hardware, a cloud service, or a hybrid scheduler layer).
• Define which layers QuEra should own vs. partner — e.g.:
• Own: Quantum hardware, quantum control stack.
• Partner: Data center operations, cloud orchestration, middleware, hybrid execution APIs.

B. Requirements Definition

• Gather technical and operational requirements from HPC and AI center operators:
• Power, cooling, networking, physical integration.
• Scheduler integration (Slurm, PBS, AWS Batch, Kubernetes).
• Security, compliance, and monitoring needs.
• Define product specifications for Quantum-Classical Integration Interfaces (QCII) — the APIs, SDKs, and orchestration layers that enable hybrid workloads.

C. Partner Identification & Engagement

• Build a partner map for each value chain layer:
• Hardware partners: compute (NVIDIA, AMD, ARM), interconnect (Infiniband), storage (DDN, AWS FSx).
• Cloud/HPC providers: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, HPE Cray, NVIDIA DGX Cloud.
• System Integrators: Dell, HPE
• Middleware/software partners: Slurm
• Application/industry partners
• Lead technical discussions and joint proof-of-concept programs with selected partners.
• Evaluate integration options — e.g., on-prem quantum node vs. cloud-connected quantum service.

D. Product Strategy & Roadmapping

• Define a phased integration roadmap for quantum into HPC centers and AI data center:
• Simulation stage: Run QuEra simulators on HPC clusters.
• Hybrid orchestration stage: Enable joint scheduling of classical + quantum workloads.
• Native quantum accelerator stage: Deploy QuEra hardware within HPC/AI center or connect over high-speed link.
• Balance build/partner decisions at each stage, ensuring scalability and differentiation.

F. Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the bridge between technical R&D, engineering, business development, and external partners.
• Create clear documentation (requirements docs, partner briefs, integration specs).
• Communicate effectively with HPC operators and enterprise customers (translating quantum complexity into operational language).

3. Key Skills and BackgroundTechnical Depth: Background in physics, computer engineering, or computational science; understanding of quantum computing principles and HPC architecture (Slurm, MPI, GPUs, network topology).
Product Management: Experience defining product requirements, roadmaps, and partner strategies in deep tech or HPC environments.
Ecosystem Awareness: Knowledge of cloud and data center ecosystems — AWS, NVIDIA, Intel, HPE, etc.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Ability to collaborate with quantum hardware engineers, software developers, and business teams.
Partnering & Alliances: Experience building technical partnerships and evaluating technology fit.
Communication: Skilled at simplifying deep-technical material for non-specialist executives and partners.

4. Success Metrics

• A complete map of the HPC/AI ecosystem relevant to quantum integration.
• Clear technical and operational requirements for deploying QuEra hardware in HPC centers.
• At least 2–3 strategic technical partnerships (e.g., with AWS, HPE, or NVIDIA).
• Defined build-vs-partner strategy for each value chain layer.
• Delivery of hybrid quantum-classical prototype or proof-of-concept within HPC environment.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $170,000-250,000.