Principal Researcher & Technical Program Manager - Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) & Secure Quantum Networking

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.

IonQ is hiring a Principal Researcher and Technical Program Manager to lead the technical strategy, research, and execution of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Secure Quantum Networking initiatives.This is a senior individual contributor role, equivalent to a Director, that demands both profound scientific expertise and comprehensive program leadership across hardware, software, and systems architecture.

The successful candidate will be a thought leader who defines IonQ’s technical roadmap for secure quantum communication systems. Key responsibilities include leading cross-functional research and engaging with global partners—including financial institutions, government agencies, and telecom providers—to move QKD technologies from prototype to real-world deployment.

Ultimately, you will shape IonQ’s vision for secure quantum infrastructure, synthesizing expertise from quantum physics, cryptography, and systems engineering to deliver scalable, practical solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Define and own IonQ’s QKD and Secure Quantum Networking strategy, setting the long-term technical vision and roadmap in alignment with research and product priorities.

• Lead multidisciplinary research and engineering initiatives, coordinating efforts across quantum hardware, control systems, networking protocols, and cryptographic software.

• Architect and validate QKD systems, including entanglement-based and prepare-and-measure schemes, integration with classical networks, and hybrid quantum-classical key management frameworks.

• Collaborate with government, defense, and financial partners to design and execute pilot deployments demonstrating secure quantum communication use cases.

• Serve as principal investigator for funded programs, managing deliverables, timelines, and technical milestones across IonQ’s global research ecosystem.

• Guide technical program execution, ensuring scientific breakthroughs translate into deployable, standards-compliant systems.

• Represent IonQ in standards bodies, policy forums, and consortia, influencing the evolution of QKD and quantum network interoperability standards.

• Publish and present research outcomes in leading journals and conferences, establishing IonQ’s leadership in quantum-safe communications.

• Mentor senior scientists and engineers, offering technical guidance in quantum optics, cryptography, and network architecture.

• Advise executive leadership on strategic investments, partnerships, and technology readiness for commercial quantum security solutions.

You’d be a good fit with:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with specialization in Quantum Communication, Photonics, or Cryptography.

• 18+ years of research or technical program experience in quantum communication, network systems, or applied cryptography.

• Proven expertise in QKD protocols (BB84, E91, CV-QKD, entanglement-based systems) and quantum network architectures.

• Deep knowledge of quantum optics, entanglement distribution, and photonic integration.

• Hands-on experience with quantum hardware and control systems, including photon sources, detectors, and synchronization.

• Familiarity with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and hybrid cryptographic integration.

• Strong understanding of program management in a research environment, including proposal development, milestones tracking, and stakeholder communication.

• Excellent communication and influence skills — able to translate deep technical insights into actionable strategy for internal and external audiences.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Prior experience leading national or international QKD programs or serving as technical lead on DARPA, NSF, or DOE-funded projects.

• Participation in ETSI, ITU-T, or NIST quantum communication working groups.

• Experience collaborating with telecom providers, defense agencies, or financial institutions on secure quantum communication pilots.

• Demonstrated record of patents, publications, and technology transfer in quantum communication or secure networking.

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park, MD, Bothell, WA) or fully remote in the US.
Travel: Up to 20%
Job ID: 1221

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!