IT Program Manager directing infrastructure and applications for new hospital construction. Aligning IT delivery with construction, facilities, and clinical operations in San Francisco.
IO
Hybrid Principal Researcher – Technical Program Manager, Quantum Key Distribution, Secure Quantum Networking
Posted 3 months ago
About the role
- Principal Researcher and Technical Program Manager leading Quantum Key Distribution and Secure Quantum Networking initiatives at IonQ. Requires deep quantum physics and systems engineering expertise in a senior role.
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.
Requirements
- 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.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
- Matching 401K
- Unlimited PTO and paid holidays
- Parental/adoption leave
- Legal insurance
- Home internet stipend
- Pet insurance
Job title
Job type
Experience level
Salary
Degree requirement
Location requirements
Technical Program Manager overseeing functional safety for robotics development. Driving cross - functional execution and managing safety - critical milestones.
Technical Program Manager responsible for managing complex IT projects, adhering to methodologies like Agile and Waterfall. Collaborating with teams and stakeholders to ensure project success.
Technical Program Manager overseeing data specifications and client interface standards at Zinnia. Driving adoption of standardized data solutions while managing cross - functional teams and client relationships.
Technical Program Manager at Zinnia leading clients on data interface standards and specs. Managing cross - functional delivery while enhancing data quality and governance.
Technical Program Manager managing project integrations for Sei Blockchain. Collaborating with engineering and product teams to achieve strategic initiatives.
Engineering Program Manager responsible for silicon product and IP development at Marvell. Leading cross - functional teams to execute programs from definition to deployment and ensure customer satisfaction.
Engineering Program Manager overseeing engineering development and implementation for product offerings at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Leading cross - functional teams and ensuring product completion within budget and timeline.
Technical Program Manager driving innovation in national defense ecosystems for American technology solutions. Overseeing complex challenges and leading teams in AI and autonomy for homeland security.
Technical Program Manager leading ADAS software initiatives at Ford Motor Company. Collaborating across teams, defining projects, and ensuring quality delivery.