Manager, Quantum Systems IT

Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world-leading trapped-ion technology, we're building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today's supercomputers cannot solve. Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology – faster, at scale, and with real world impact.

What to expect: We are looking for a Manager, Quantum Systems IT to join our team in Oxford. This role will lead the classical infrastructure layer that supports the build, deployment and operation of our quantum systems, from system head provisioning and lab networking through to scientific hardware integration and handoff readiness. You will manage a small Oxford-based team, including an existing IC and a future hire, while staying close to the technical work yourself. The role is well suited to someone who enjoys hands-on infrastructure leadership: someone who can support urgent system needs today, while building the documentation, automation and operating practices that allow the team to scale.

This is a role for someone who is comfortable working in a live R&D and manufacturing environment, partnering closely with engineering, physics, DevOps, reliability and corporate IT teams. You will be joining at a point where IonQ has strong existing infrastructure practice to build from, while the Oxford site continues to adapt and develop that practice for a new generation of quantum systems.

What you'll be responsible for:

• You will lead the Quantum Systems IT function in Oxford, setting priorities, supporting the team day to day and helping to create clearer ownership around the infrastructure that supports our quantum hardware builds.
• You will work closely with colleagues across Oxford and the wider IonQ organisation to make system infrastructure more repeatable, reliable and ready to scale.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing a small Quantum Systems IT team in Oxford, including managing an existing IC and hiring an additional engineer into the team.
• Owning the classical infrastructure layer for quantum system builds, including Linux server provisioning, PXE boot, OS configuration, system heads, IPMI/BMC access and handoff readiness.
• Designing, configuring and documenting lab network infrastructure, including managed switches, firewalls, VLANs, routing, cabling and isolated network segments for scientific hardware.
• Supporting the integration of non-standard hardware into compute environments, including cameras, laser control systems and other bespoke scientific devices.
• Moving the team towards documented, repeatable and increasingly automated processes, while partnering closely with DevOps, reliability engineering, physics and corporate IT teams.

What you'll need: We are looking for someone with strong hands-on experience in systems administration, infrastructure engineering or lab-grade IT, ideally in an environment where physical infrastructure directly supported scientific, engineering, manufacturing or hardware work. You will need to be comfortable working across physical servers, lab networks, mixed operating environments and non-standard devices, while also leading a small team with clarity and pace. You do not need to come from quantum computing. You do need to understand what it means for infrastructure to be load-bearing for technical work, and bring the judgement to balance urgent troubleshooting with building better long-term processes.

You would be a great fit with:

• Hands-on experience provisioning Linux servers in a scientific, industrial, research or hardware environment, using tools such as Kickstart, Ansible, Cobbler, Foreman, Packer or equivalent.
• Practical experience configuring managed switches, firewalls, VLANs, trunking, ACLs and network segmentation without relying entirely on a dedicated network team.
• Experience integrating non-standard hardware into compute environments, such as scientific instruments, cameras, custom peripherals, specialist controllers or devices requiring OS-level configuration or debugging.
• A track record of improving manual or bespoke provisioning processes, creating documentation, runbooks or automation that made infrastructure more repeatable for future builds.
• Line management experience with at least one direct report, familiarity with out-of-band management such as IPMI, iDRAC or iLO, and enough Kubernetes host literacy to define clean handoff requirements with DevOps teams.

Experience in a national research facility, university research computing service, deep-tech company, industrial lab, defence technology environment or another setting involving bespoke hardware would be particularly relevant. You should also be comfortable working in a mixed environment that may include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory or Entra, virtualisation platforms and enterprise monitoring tooling.

This role is based in Oxford on a hybrid basis. Some travel may be required to support system handoffs and collaboration with wider IonQ teams.

So why us? Be part of a team that’s shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you’ll join a world class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing. We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more. Join us and be part of the future of quantum computing. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.