Senior Manager, AMO Theory

IonQ•Boulder, CO

16d•Onsite

About The Position

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’re looking for an enthusiastic, hands-on technical leader to manage our atomic physics (AMO) theory team. You will work in a dynamic, cross-disciplinary environment alongside our world-leading quantum scientists and engineers, leading cutting-edge research to enable our roadmap. The AMO theory team is responsible for (1) performing detailed, low-level analysis and simulations of ion control methods, making sure we understand the physics before attempting experiments, (2) coming up with creative new ideas to allow us to accelerate our roadmap, and (3) working with experimentalists to understand unexpected issues and help with debugging. It works in close collaboration with the Science and Systems Architecture teams to guide the team towards the most impactful and important problems - and that the solutions we develop are practical and scalable. You will lead a team of AMO theorists, starting with around 5-8 staff distributed around North America and the UK. As a strong technical leader, you will work with deep technical experts on specific topics, defining with them what is important and how to understand completion. You will be responsible for defining priorities and clearly communicating progress with key technical stakeholders across the organisation - including experimental and theoretical physicists, as well as the broader engineering staff. You will also take charge of the team's organisation and professional development.

Requirements

Proven ability to lead subject matter experts, setting priorities, giving clear expectations, and ensuring results are suitable for the internal and external stakeholders
Deep technical knowledge of atomic physics theory
Ability to write, read, and debug scientific simulations
Experience leading AMO theory projects
Demonstrated success in collaborating with experimental teams

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ion trapping physics
Experience managing and growing a team inside a scientific/engineering organisation

Responsibilities

Technical leadership
Lead the AMO theory team and work with other scientific and engineering teams to define the research needed to develop our quantum computers
Turn internal conversations with other teams into actionable AMO theory projects
Proactively look out for opportunities for the AMO theory team can support internal work
Understand conflicting priorities and manage the team to deliver according to company needs and timescales
Ensure the excellence of the results produced by the team but understand when sufficient has been done on any given topic to meet requirements.
Provide clear updates on issues and progress to all stakeholders
Be the first point of call for others in the company to understand the priorities and outputs of the AMO theory team.
Team management
Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the AMO theory team to deliver
Ensure that the team maintains the right balance between delivery speed and quality
Champion the team culture of scientific rigour, openness and collaboration by driving a suitable balance of company proprietary information and publications
Support members of the team
Looking out for their well-being
Conducting their performance reviews
Supporting their career development
Work with the senior management team to plan future team growth
Work collaboratively with other teams to develop stronger cross-team interfaces and processes