Chief of Staff, R&D
IonQ
IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution.
IonQ is seeking an experienced and highly organized Chief of Staff to the Senior Vice President (SVP) of R&D. This critical role will serve as a strategic partner to the SVP, ensuring operational excellence, driving key initiatives, and facilitating effective communication across the Engineering organization and with other executive teams. The Chief of Staff will act as an extension of the SVP, ensuring the smooth execution of day-to-day operations and strategic projects, and actively seeking out and identifying high-impact opportunities to improve business processes across both the R&D organization and the company as a whole. In this role, you’ll work closely with all of the engineering leaders and cross-company divisions to define and track organizational priorities, coordinate intra-organizational operations, support cross-organizational requests, and ensure timely delivery of critical projects.
This role reports to the SVP of R&D.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Partner, Advisor, and Operator:
- Work closely with the SVP to develop and execute on the R&D organization's strategic priorities.
- Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to inform decision-making.
- Anticipate challenges and proactively identify solutions to keep initiatives on track.
- Represent the SVP in internal and external meetings as needed, providing updates and gathering information.
- Serve as a key driver on strategic, high-impact projects cutting across IonQ’s multiple product verticals.
- Operational Excellence:
- Oversee the preparation of materials for executive meetings, board presentations, internal reviews, and external partners.
- Drive the agenda and facilitate productive outcomes for leadership team meetings.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and collaboration within R&D.
- Communication & Collaboration:
- Facilitate clear and consistent communication from the SVP to the broader organization, including the R&D team and leaders in other divisions.
- Act as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders interacting with the SVP.
- Collaborate with other Chiefs of Staff and functional leaders to ensure cross-organizational alignment.
- Draft internal communications, presentations, and reports on behalf of the SVP.
You’d be a good fit with:
- 10 years of program management experience, combined with some form of business process engineering
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in an engineering or related field; MBA/MS or equivalent operating experience
- 8+ years of experience in a fast-paced technology environment, with at least 3 years in a Chief of Staff, Senior Program Manager, or similar strategic operational role.
- Proven experience working directly with senior executives (VP-level or above).
- Pragmatic driver mentality, able to dig into the technical details and thoughtfully question and examine approaches for efficiency and speed
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the interpersonal capability to ensure solutions are adopted and implemented
- High attention to detail and organizational skills
- High level of comfort working with senior hardware & software engineers, scientists & physicists, and product managers
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally across GTM, PMO, Engineering, Finance, etc. to support complex projects and workstreams
- Experience in program/project management, especially in contexts focused on quick-turn, high-impact process improvement
- High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to build strong, trusted relationships across all levels of an organization.
- Passion for building scalable processes in a high growth, constantly changing environment
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
You’d be a great fit with:
- Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to develop and communicate a vision that inspires and motivates staff and aligns with business strategy
- Proven ability to break down complex problems into coherent, actionable narratives to support efficient decision-making by senior leadership (VP+) at enterprise-scale
- Ability to travel to multiple sites and locations occasionally
- Proven experience working with both software and hardware teams to develop first-of-a-kind systems and products
- Knowledge of quantum computing, networking or sensing technologies
Location: This role will be based on-site at our Boston, MA office.We are open to hybrid and remote options for the right candidate.
Travel: Up to 15%
Job ID: 1273
The approximate base salary range for this position is $167,808 - $219,704. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.
Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance!
IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!
At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.
US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.
If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!