Principal Researcher & Technical Program Manager - Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) & Secure Quantum Networking

IONQ-posted 9 days ago
$162,920 - $213,304/Yr
Full-time • Senior
Hybrid • Bothell, WA
251-500 employees
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
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IonQ is hiring a Principal Researcher and Technical Program Manager to lead the technical strategy, research, and execution of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Secure Quantum Networking initiatives.This is a senior individual contributor role, equivalent to a Director, that demands both profound scientific expertise and comprehensive program leadership across hardware, software, and systems architecture. The successful candidate will be a thought leader who defines IonQ's technical roadmap for secure quantum communication systems. Key responsibilities include leading cross-functional research and engaging with global partners-including financial institutions, government agencies, and telecom providers-to move QKD technologies from prototype to real-world deployment. Ultimately, you will shape IonQ's vision for secure quantum infrastructure, synthesizing expertise from quantum physics, cryptography, and systems engineering to deliver scalable, practical solutions.

  • Define and own IonQ's QKD and Secure Quantum Networking strategy, setting the long-term technical vision and roadmap in alignment with research and product priorities.
  • Lead multidisciplinary research and engineering initiatives, coordinating efforts across quantum hardware, control systems, networking protocols, and cryptographic software.
  • Architect and validate QKD systems, including entanglement-based and prepare-and-measure schemes, integration with classical networks, and hybrid quantum-classical key management frameworks.
  • Collaborate with government, defense, and financial partners to design and execute pilot deployments demonstrating secure quantum communication use cases.
  • Serve as principal investigator for funded programs, managing deliverables, timelines, and technical milestones across IonQ's global research ecosystem.
  • Guide technical program execution, ensuring scientific breakthroughs translate into deployable, standards-compliant systems.
  • Represent IonQ in standards bodies, policy forums, and consortia, influencing the evolution of QKD and quantum network interoperability standards.
  • Publish and present research outcomes in leading journals and conferences, establishing IonQ's leadership in quantum-safe communications.
  • Mentor senior scientists and engineers, offering technical guidance in quantum optics, cryptography, and network architecture.
  • Advise executive leadership on strategic investments, partnerships, and technology readiness for commercial quantum security solutions.
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with specialization in Quantum Communication, Photonics, or Cryptography.
  • 18+ years of research or technical program experience in quantum communication, network systems, or applied cryptography.
  • Proven expertise in QKD protocols (BB84, E91, CV-QKD, entanglement-based systems) and quantum network architectures.
  • Deep knowledge of quantum optics, entanglement distribution, and photonic integration.
  • Hands-on experience with quantum hardware and control systems, including photon sources, detectors, and synchronization.
  • Familiarity with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and hybrid cryptographic integration.
  • Strong understanding of program management in a research environment, including proposal development, milestones tracking, and stakeholder communication.
  • Excellent communication and influence skills - able to translate deep technical insights into actionable strategy for internal and external audiences.
  • Prior experience leading national or international QKD programs or serving as technical lead on DARPA, NSF, or DOE-funded projects.
  • Participation in ETSI, ITU-T, or NIST quantum communication working groups.
  • Experience collaborating with telecom providers, defense agencies, or financial institutions on secure quantum communication pilots.
  • Demonstrated record of patents, publications, and technology transfer in quantum communication or secure networking.
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