Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure 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 quantum advancements.
- Why this job: Shape the future of 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.
- 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. We're looking for someone who can lead people effectively, solve complex system problems, and work across teams in a highly technical, fast-moving business.
You'd be a good fit with:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics or a related field, with experience managing physicists, scientists, or system engineers.
- 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.
- Prior experience with quantum computing, or a strong affinity for DevOps, Site Reliability Engineering, and relevant programming languages such as Python, Go, or JavaScript.
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.
Senior Manager, System Operations employer: Oxford Ionics
Contact Detail:
Oxford Ionics 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 current employees at IonQ on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Senior Manager role. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into quantum computing topics. Brush up on your knowledge of operational excellence practices and be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex system problems in the past. Show us you're the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your technical skills; highlight your leadership experience too! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved operational performance. We want to see your people skills shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining the IonQ team. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, System Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Manager, System Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise in physics or related fields to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about quantum computing and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved operational performance or led successful projects. Numbers and metrics can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Ionics
✨Know Your Quantum Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your quantum computing knowledge, especially around 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
Since this role involves leading a team of physicists, be prepared to share specific examples of your leadership experience. Talk about how you've managed teams in complex environments, resolved conflicts, or improved operational processes. Highlighting your ability to lead effectively will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face 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 past roles. Demonstrating your technical expertise will reassure them that you can handle the challenges of the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms, as you'll need to convey information to both technical and non-technical audiences. During the interview, focus on clarity and confidence in your responses to make a lasting impression.