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- Tasks: Lead a team ensuring reliable operations of cutting-edge quantum computers.
- Company: Join IonQ, a leader in quantum computing innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community driving real-world impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of quantum technology with a world-class team.
- Qualifications: Strong background in physics and experience in technical leadership.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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 Senior Manager, System Operations to join our System Operations team at IonQ. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the team that keeps our quantum computers running reliably for customers worldwide, while improving resilience, performance, throughput, and efficiency across the fleet. You will contribute to the team’s mission of ensuring the smooth operation, deployment, and continuous improvement of our commercial quantum systems. You’ll play an important part in shaping the operational processes, tools, and systems that support our work in building the world’s most advanced quantum systems.
In this position, you will work on leading a team of Operating Physicists, supporting the effective delivery of reliable fleet operations, system deployments, operational readiness, and continuous system improvement. You’ll have the opportunity to improve reliability, strengthen operational performance, and influence future product and technology development through operational insight.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and develop a team of physicists responsible for maintaining and improving IonQ’s commercial quantum computing fleet
- Build team strategy and tactical plans across fleet operations, incident management, deployment, and operational improvement
- Manage priorities, schedules, costs, inventory, and sparing strategies across the operations programme
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with engineers, physicists, senior leaders, customers, and vendors to improve operational outcomes and influence future designs
- Define and manage key performance metrics, while leading resolution of complex operational issues impacting commercial QPU systems
To be successful, you will need:
- A strong background in physics or a related field, along with experience leading technical teams in complex operational or engineering environments
- 5+ years of hands‑on technical leadership and people management experience, including managing multiple projects, priorities, and deliverables
- Ability to identify and communicate design flaws in production systems, using sound technical judgement to improve reliability
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas to a range of technical and non‑technical audiences
- Knowledge of operational excellence practices in systems environments, including incident management and Learning From Incidents
You’d be a great fit with:
- 10+ years of technical leadership and people management experience, including prior experience managing managers
- Experience with automation, calibration, and operations management for complex technical systems
- Direct experience in reliability engineering, resilience engineering, or related disciplines
- Experience working in distributed on‑call or 24/7 operational environments
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.
Senior Manager, System Operations employer: IonQ
Contact Detail:
IonQ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, System Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the quantum computing field, especially those at IonQ. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into IonQ’s technology and recent advancements. Familiarise yourself with their systems and think about how your experience can contribute to their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely excited about their work!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the IonQ team. Make sure to highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, System Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in system operations and leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at IonQ, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: When writing your application, emphasise your technical knowledge in physics or related fields. We’re looking for someone who can tackle complex problems, so share examples of how you’ve done this in past roles.
Communicate Clearly: Use clear and concise language in your application. We appreciate strong communication skills, so make sure you explain your ideas and experiences in a way that’s easy to understand for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at IonQ!
How to prepare for a job interview at IonQ
✨Know Your Quantum Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quantum computing, especially trapped-ion technology. Be ready to discuss how it works and its applications, as well as any recent advancements in the field. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed technical teams, resolved complex issues, or improved operational processes. Highlight your people management skills and how you've fostered collaboration across different functions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face some challenging technical questions related to system operations and reliability engineering. Brush up on incident management practices and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. Think of specific scenarios where you've identified design flaws or improved system reliability.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms, as you'll need to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. During the interview, focus on being clear and concise, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you don't understand a question.