Director, Quantum Networking

Job Description

Position: Director, Quantum Networking. Location: Vista, California, United States .

Note: While this role is based in Vista, CA, IonQ has facilities in College Park, MD; Bothell, WA; and Toronto, Canada. Depending on your role, proximity to one of these offices may be required.

Responsibilities:

  • Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead a world-class team of physicists, hardware engineers, and software developers working on cutting-edge quantum networking technology.
  • Strategic Direction: Develop and execute the technical roadmap for IonQ’s quantum networking initiatives, ensuring alignment with company-wide goals.
  • System Development: Oversee full lifecycle development of quantum networking subsystems including photonic interfaces, entanglement distribution modules, and control software;
  • Technical Oversight: Provide architectural guidance on hardware (e.g., optical links, photon sources/detectors) and software (e.g., protocols, simulation tools, network control systems).
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal hardware, software, and product teams to ensure seamless integration across IonQ's platform;
  • Project & Resource Management: Manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and resources to meet key milestones;
  • Innovation & IP Development: Encourage innovation and contribute to IonQ’s intellectual property portfolio in quantum networking.
  • Quality & Performance: Set and monitor KPIs for networking systems to ensure high reliability and performance.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field (strongly preferred)
  • 10+ years of experience in complex system development
  • 5+ years of leadership in multidisciplinary engineering team;
  • Strong understanding of quantum mechanics, quantum optics, and quantum information science;
  • Proven experience in developing and scaling hardware/software systems, preferably in telecom, high-performance computing, or optical systems
  • Demonstrated ability to create technical strategies and execute end-to-end development from R&D through prototyping and potential productization
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills

Preferred:

  • 15+ years of experience in system development and 7+ years in team leadership
  • Hands-on experience in quantum networking, entanglement distribution, or quantum communication technologies
  • Deep expertise in photonics, fiber optics, high-speed electronics, or control systems;
  • Familiarity with trapped-ion quantum computing;
  • A record of innovation through patents, publications, or successful product delivery

Benefits:

  • Competitive base salary: $187,358 - $245,300, plus bonus and equity
  • Comprehensive benefits including:
    • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
    • 401(k) matching;
    • Unlimited PTO and paid holidays;
    • Parental/adoption leave;
    • Legal and pet insurance
    • Home internet stipend
  • Opportunities for career advancement and participation in the future of quantum technology

JOB TYPE

Full-time

COMPENSATION

$187k - $245k

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