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Senior Staff Technical Program Manager

IonQ

IonQ

IT, Operations
College Park, MD, USA
USD 162,920-213,304 / year + Equity
Posted on Aug 7, 2025

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 Staff Technical Program Manager. As a Senior Staff Technical Program Manager, 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, your responsibility is to facilitate the successful execution of government contracts and projects. Typical work would include planning, executing, controlling and closing projects and programs. You will be working directly as a lead Technical Program Manager and serving as a cross-functional liaison with other organizations across the company. Responsibilities will include project planning, coordination, risk management, and stakeholder management. Your leadership and expertise in government project work will play a crucial role in securing successful contracts and awards of groundbreaking technologies in the field of quantum computing.


Responsibilities:

  • Oversee projects or portions of a project within a government contract, ensuring compliance, and effectively managing resources, budget, and stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams of subject matter experts to develop and implement technical strategies for advancing quantum computing.
  • Manage the program’s EVMS regarding the program's work scope, schedule, and cost parameters. Applying these tools for effective planning and control.
  • Track program progress, identify performance issues, and regularly report program status to senior management. Additionally, evaluating program performance and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration among team members. Track action items and deliverables.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks to the program's success.
  • Provide guidance and expertise to the team, supporting problem-solving and decision-making processes.
  • Ability to travel, up to 20% of the time, to support the team on site visits in either College Park, MD, or Bothell, WA.


You’d be a good fit with:

  • Prior experience on projects for U.S. and international governments and clients
  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
  • 10+ years of experience as a Technical Program Manager, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex government projects.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively lead cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a keen eye for detail and an innovative mindset.
  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies, such as Git/Hub, Jira/Confluence, and SmartSheets
  • Passion for quantum computing and the desire to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technological advancements.
  • Must be a U.S. Person (US Citizen or a Green Card holder)


You’d be a great fit with:

  • An advanced degree in Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Significant prior experience managing projects for DARPA and DOD
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or related certification
  • Background in and working knowledge of quantum computing concepts, principles, and technologies
  • Prior experience leading academic grants and/or federal/government contracts


Location:
This is a hybrid role based at our headquarters in College Park, MD or at our Bothell, Washington facility.
Travel: Up to 20%
Job ID:
1121

The approximate base salary range for this position is $162,920 - $213,304. 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!