Quantum Computing Programme Lead

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.

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world’s most complex problems. IonQ’s newest generation quantum computers, IonQ Tempo and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in cutting‑edge systems that have been helping customers and partners such as Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA achieve 20x performance results. The company achieved 99.99% two‑qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance in 2025. The company is accelerating its technology roadmap and intends to deliver the world’s most powerful quantum computers with 2 million qubits by 2030 to accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. IonQ’s advancements in quantum networking position the company as a leader in building the quantum internet.

We are looking for a Quantum Computing Programme Lead to join our Programme Management team at IonQ. In this role, you will be responsible for taking end‑to‑end ownership of one generation of our trapped‑ion quantum computers, from architectural concept definition through to first production systems operating successfully on customer sites. You’ll play an important part in shaping the programme structure, technical decision‑making, delivery cadence and cross‑functional alignment needed to build the world’s most advanced quantum systems.

In this position, you will work across engineering, architecture, science, applications, product, manufacturing and operations teams to ensure a highly complex technical programme comes together as a whole. You will not directly manage teams, but you will be the single person accountable for programme delivery, driving decisions, removing blockers and ensuring the programme stays aligned to product, customer and engineering goals. You’ll have the opportunity to lead one of the most important programmes in IonQ’s Compute Division, helping turn advanced quantum computing architecture into production systems that can be built, deployed and operated successfully.

Key responsibilities include:

• Own the full programme scope for one generation of trapped‑ion quantum computers, from architectural concept through to customer‑site deployment.
• Drive programme schedule, risk management, technical trade‑offs and executive‑level communication across multiple teams and geographies.
• Lead cross‑functional decision‑making across QPU design, manufacturing, electronics, lasers and detection, cryo and vacuum systems, software and product.
• Identify technical and organisational blockers early, create focused routes to resolution and keep critical workstreams moving at pace.
• Partner with Product, Go‑to‑Market, Manufacturing and Operations to ensure product definition, build readiness and customer delivery plans remain aligned.

What you will bring:

To be successful, you will need significant experience leading complex, multi‑disciplinary hardware or deep‑tech programmes. We’re looking for someone with the technical breadth to engage credibly across multiple engineering and scientific domains, the judgement to know when to challenge or escalate, and the leadership presence to align senior stakeholders without relying on direct authority.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Extensive experience in senior technical programme, product or systems leadership within complex hardware, deep‑tech or scientific environments.
• Strong technical breadth across areas such as electronics, optics/photonics, cryogenic or vacuum systems, embedded software, firmware, FPGA/gateware, chip design or advanced manufacturing.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional programme delivery across R&D, engineering, manufacturing and customer deployment phases.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with the ability to brief senior leaders while working effectively with engineers and scientists at the technical level.
• Prior experience in quantum computing, trapped‑ion systems or physics‑heavy technology programmes would be highly advantageous, but is not essential where technical breadth and learning agility are exceptional.

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 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.