R&D Operations Lead

LLC Stoliarchuk R&D Ukraine | Kyiv (Remote)

Salary: UAH + bonuses (Diia City)

About Stoliarchuk R&D Ukraine

Stoliarchuk R&D Ukraine is a high-tech research and innovation laboratory operating in Ukraine and integrated into the international Stoliarchuk R&D network (Ukraine — Canada — USA).

Our core specializations include:

• AI/ML systems and intelligent automation
• Dual-use and defense technologies
• Robotics and autonomy
• Digital models & simulations
• DeepTech R&D
• International scientific and technological cooperation

We build solutions at the intersection of
AI, defense innovation, data intelligence, engineering, and smart transatlantic collaboration
, creating research-driven products with real international deployment potential across NATO partners.

Our mission is to develop a next-generation Ukrainian R&D ecosystem capable of competing globally.

Position Overview

We are looking for an
R&D Operations Lead & Team Builder
— a key person who will build and launch the operational and research engine of the company.

This is the
first core role
in the team.

This is the
right hand of the Director
.

This is the person who will turn the company from concept into a full-scale R&D center.

If you want to
build
an R&D environment instead of just working in one — this role is for you.

Your Mission

1. Build a complete R&D team from scratch (AI, engineering, analytics, defense tech, operations).
2. Launch and maintain operational, research, and project management processes.
3. Transform research ideas into prototypes, MVPs, and proof-of-concepts.
4. Coordinate with partners, clients, universities, and international programs.
5. Contribute to scaling Stoliarchuk R&D across Ukraine, Canada, and the USA

Key Responsibilities
1. R&D Operations (primary focus)

• Establish operational processes, workflows, and reporting structures.
• Oversee day-to-day coordination across research streams.
• Create project roadmaps and prioritize tasks.
• Manage documentation, internal policies, SOPs, and R&D pipeline.
• Ensure timely execution and quality control of research cycles.

2. Team Building & People Operations

• Recruit AI/ML engineers, analysts, software developers, researchers, and operations staff.
• Conduct interviews, technical screenings, and onboarding.
• Shape the culture of a high-performance R&D laboratory.
• Set up team rituals, KPIs, communication channels, and reporting systems.

3. R&D Project Management

• Lead projects from initial concept to prototype (TRL 3–7).
• Prepare technical documentation (ToR, SOW, briefs, research notes).
• Coordinate with partners, clients, universities, and defense-tech clusters.
• Manage cross-functional communication and deliverables.

4. Strategic & Business Development

• Support preparation of grant applications (EU, Horizon, NATO DIANA, Canada, USA, Ukraine).
• Conduct market and technology research.
• Contribute to the "R&D Monetization Model".
• Help scale international operations and partnerships.

Requirements
Must-Have

• 3+ years in R&D operations, tech operations, or project management.
• Ability to build teams and create processes from zero.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience working in dynamic, high-uncertainty environments (startup/tech).
• English — Upper-Intermediate or above.

Nice-to-Have

• Understanding of AI/ML, engineering workflows, or dual-use/defense tech.
• Experience writing technical documentation or research materials.
• Experience with international programs, grants, or scientific partnerships.
• Ability to work autonomously and take ownership of outcomes.

We Offer
1. Competitive salary: 60,000 UAH + performance bonuses

Opportunity for salary increase after the first 3–6 months.

2. A key strategic position

You become one of the core people shaping the company from the ground up.

3. International exposure

Collaboration with partners and programs in
Canada, USA, EU, and NATO
.

4. Impact on strategic decisions

Your ideas directly influence how the organization grows.

5. Work on frontier technologies

AI, defense innovation, robotics, autonomy, deep analytics.

6. Flexible work format

Hybrid/remote work; business travel possible.

Your First 60 Days
Days 1–30

• Review company status and project landscape
• Define operational needs
• Prepare hiring and R&D structure plan
• Launch essential processes
• Create initial R&D Roadmap

Days 30–60

• Hire the first 3–5 specialists
• Launch R&D cycles and project workflows
• Establish documentation standards
• Build the "R&D Storyline" operational model
• Support preparation of early prototypes/MVPs

Who You Will Work With

• Valentyn Stoliarchuk — Director & Chief Researcher
• PhD Candidate, international research projects (Ukraine–Canada–USA).
• Partner researchers and engineers in AI, DefenseTech, and DeepTech.
• Universities, innovation labs, defense technology clusters.

Why This Role Matters

You will play a central role in creating a Ukrainian scientific and technological laboratory capable of:

• building critical dual-use innovations,
• strengthening cooperation with Canada and the USA,
• contributing to national resilience,
• shaping a new R&D culture in Ukraine.

This is not a standard operations role.

This is a mission-driven position.

How to Apply

Send:

• CV
• Short motivation note (5–7 sentences)
• LinkedIn profile
• (Optional) Portfolio or examples of past PM/Ops work