Senior Technical Program Manager - Quantum Networking

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution. 

We are looking for a Senior Technical Program Manager (TPM). As a Senior TPM, you’ll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex problems. 

In this role, you’ll coordinate cross-functional efforts to build and deliver quantum networking solutions, supporting planning, execution, risk management, and stakeholder engagement throughout the program lifecycle. 

Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate the delivery of quantum networking and computing programs, ensuring projects remain on schedule, within scope, and on budget.
• Collaborate closely with diverse teams, including physicists, systems and network engineers, R&D specialists, financial analysts, and supply-chain partners, to identify dependencies, resolve blockers, and achieve milestones.
• Drive programmatic processes by facilitating risk identification and tracking, assisting with quantitative forecasting (e.g., beta-PERT), and guiding teams through decision points and trade-offs.
• Track costs, resources, and risks, assisting in maintaining contract budgets, labor forecasts, and resource plans, and flagging emerging risks while coordinating mitigation activities.
• Help prepare concise status updates, risk assessments, and accomplishment reports for both government and commercial customers, as well as internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by refining program management templates, tooling (Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet), and documentation standards for complex hardware and software integration projects.
• Maintain accurate and current project artifacts—such as schedules, risk registers, and customer correspondence.
• Stay informed about developments in quantum computing and networking to support proposal development and identify potential enhancements.

You’d be a good fit with:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM related technical field, e.g. systems engineering, physics, etc. with 3–5 years of technical program or project management experience, ideally with complex hardware and software systems development and deployment.
• Strong communicator with the ability to work effectively across engineering, research, manufacturing, and business teams.
• Analytical skills using tools like Excel, Smartsheet, SQL, or Python to track progress and support data driven decisions.
  
  

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a technical discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Certifications such as PMP, PgMP, or Agile credentials.
• Familiarity with common PM tools (Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, GitHub)
• Basic understanding of quantum computing architectures and networking principles.
• Experience supporting prototype-to-product transitions from R&D to production settings.
• Exposure to government contracting (DoD, DoE) or academic grant processes.
• Background in systems engineering or formal product lifecycle management (PLM).

Location: This role will work onsite at our office located in Bothell, WA.
Travel: 25% domestic travel to support project customer communications and execution phases at a customer site.
Job ID:  1108

The approximate base salary range for this position is $128,119 - $167,740. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs.  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance! 

IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!
 
At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
 
We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions.  Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls.  Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone.  Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.  

US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!