Hybrid Principal Researcher – Technical Program Manager, Quantum Key Distribution, Secure Quantum Networking

at IonQ

• Job title: Principal Researcher – Technical Program Manager, Quantum Key Distribution, Secure Quantum Networking
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: $162,920 - $213,304 per year
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Bothell, United States

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