Quantum Computing Programme Lead

Oxford Ionics•College Park, MD

3h•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Quantum Computing Programme Lead to join our Programme Management team at IonQ. In this role, you will be responsible for taking end-to-end ownership of one generation of our trapped-ion quantum computers, from architectural concept definition through to first production systems operating successfully on customer sites. You’ll play an important part in shaping the programme structure, technical decision-making, delivery cadence and cross-functional alignment needed to build the world’s most advanced quantum systems. In this position, you will work across engineering, architecture, science, applications, product, manufacturing and operations teams to ensure a highly complex technical programme comes together as a whole. You will not directly manage teams, but you will be the single person accountable for programme delivery, driving decisions, removing blockers and ensuring the programme stays aligned to product, customer and engineering goals. You’ll have the opportunity to lead one of the most important programmes in IonQ’s Compute Division, helping turn advanced quantum computing architecture into production systems that can be built, deployed and operated successfully.

Requirements

Significant experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary hardware or deep-tech programmes.
Technical breadth to engage credibly across multiple engineering and scientific domains.
Judgement to know when to challenge or escalate.
Leadership presence to align senior stakeholders without relying on direct authority.
Extensive experience in senior technical programme, product or systems leadership within complex hardware, deep-tech or scientific environments.
Strong technical breadth across areas such as electronics, optics/photonics, cryogenic or vacuum systems, embedded software, firmware, FPGA/gateware, chip design or advanced manufacturing.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional programme delivery across R&D, engineering, manufacturing and customer deployment phases.
Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to brief senior leaders while working effectively with engineers and scientists at the technical level.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in quantum computing, trapped-ion systems or physics-heavy technology programmes would be highly advantageous, but is not essential where technical breadth and learning agility are exceptional.

Responsibilities

Own the full programme scope for one generation of trapped-ion quantum computers, from architectural concept through to customer-site deployment.
Drive programme schedule, risk management, technical trade-offs and executive-level communication across multiple teams and geographies.
Lead cross-functional decision-making across QPU design, manufacturing, electronics, lasers and detection, cryo and vacuum systems, software and product.
Identify technical and organisational blockers early, create focused routes to resolution and keep critical workstreams moving at pace.
Partner with Product, Go-to-Market, Manufacturing and Operations to ensure product definition, build readiness and customer delivery plans remain aligned.