Senior Software Engineering Manager, Runtime

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. 

Quantum computers at scale will be able to perform certain calculations faster and on larger datasets than even the world’s biggest supercomputers. But they’ll still need to integrate with classical computers for end to end calculations. Just like how the device you’re reading this job description on combines CPUs and GPUs to render efficiently, the datacenters of the future will combine CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs to solve the world’s hardest problems.

We are looking for a senior software engineering manager to lead and grow our Runtime team, which builds and maintains our hybrid classical-quantum computing environment for customers. In this role, you’ll provide capabilities to customers like quantum emulation, pluggable compilers, efficient performance, and ultimately our fault-tolerant quantum computing layer at scale. You’ll work closely both with our API teams and our full-stack hybrid computation effort.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading or contributing to multiple simultaneous initiatives, balancing multiple activities with a keen eye for prioritizing for the biggest impact. You’ll be able to balance technical expertise and savvy with strong business judgment to make great technology choices with lasting impact. You’ll strive for simplicity and demonstrate significant creativity and incisive judgment. You'll enjoy learning technical topics, working across multiple business streams, and be uniquely positioned to help us reach the next horizon in secure quantum computing.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to our codebase not as the lead developer, but to remain connected to the work your team is doing as a player-coach
• Participate in developer forums and events to keep your finger on the pulse of this rapidly evolving field
• Provide technical expertise and strong thought leadership in building robust, well-engineered, and scalable software solutions, participating in code reviews and ensuring best practices
• Drive functional and technical delivery of key team and org-wide programs/initiatives
• Partner with Engineering Managers, Product Managers, and other cross functional partners to define, scope, and drive large programs to conclusion.
• Develop, implement, and iterate on program management techniques, frameworks, and KPIs to achieve goals with well defined success criteria.
• Define and produce high quality written proposals, communications and documentation
• Create widely circulated plans, driving consistency, clarity and building alignment across teams
• Help influence peers / leaders and build consensus while dealing with ambiguity

In your first three months, you’ll be helping hire key staff to scale this function.

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
• 13+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 6+ years of hands-on technical leadership and people management experience
• 3+ years of experience with Kubernetes and containerization; strong understanding of container orchestration, microservices architecture, and cloud-native principles
• Experience with low latency environments (e.g. streaming, trading, high-performance computing)
• Experience with hyperscalar cloud platforms and their Kubernetes services
• Excellent taste in developer-friendly API design
• Knowledge of team management best practices and demonstrated experience building and scaling effective teams that drives a high performance culture in a distributed work environment
• Sound project management, analytical skills and ability to establish metrics to measure and drive a high return on investment
• Expertise in modern software development practices and tools (e.g., continuous integration and delivery, observability, etc.)
• Client focus and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners.

You’d be a great fit with: 

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Quantum Information Science, or a related degree
• 10+ years of technical leadership and people management experience
• 3+ years of managing distributed teams
• Strong expertise in virtual machines, Linux/UNIX systems, kernels, and networking
• Contributions to large open source projects
• Past experience delivering and scaling a computation-as-a-service platform
• Familiarity with Google Kubernetes Engine
• A background in quantum computing and/or quantum information science

Location: This is a hybrid role based at our office in College Park, MD or Bothell, Washington. We are open to a fully remote option for the right candidate.
Travel: Up to 10% 
Job ID:  1156

The approximate base salary range for this position is $187,358 - $245,300. 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!