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