Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy, Quantum Finance and Quantum Security Architecture

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 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.

We are seeking a Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy to join our newly created Quantum for Finance and Quantum Security Architecture team. This team has a dual mission:

1. Finance Applications – designing and building quantum algorithms and applications for the financial sector, including commercial banks, investment banks, credit unions, brokerage firms, and insurance companies.
2. Quantum Security – creating next-generation quantum-resistant cryptography solutions by integrating Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), optimized for hybrid terrestrial and satellite networks.

As Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating projects across these domains, ensuring alignment with company objectives, and serving as the primary connector between internal teams and external financial institutions. Initially, this role will be as an individual contributor with the potential to grow into team leadership as the function expands.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the strategy for the Quantum Finance and Quantum Security Architecture team, ensuring alignment with IonQ’s broader goals.
• Coordinate cross-functional workstreams across hardware, software, HR, legal, compliance, risk, and recruiting to support execution of finance and security projects.
• Act as a key point of contact for external stakeholders, including financial institutions and industry partners.
• Manage project execution, ensuring milestones are delivered on time and to the highest standard.
• Develop and refine processes to enable efficient scaling of the team.
• Support business development efforts by identifying opportunities for collaboration with banks, insurers, and financial institutions.
• Represent the team in internal leadership meetings, ensuring clear communication of progress, challenges, and needs.
• Partner with technical leads to ensure delivery of quantum algorithms for finance use cases and cryptographic solutions integrating PQC and QKD.
• Prepare executive-level presentations, reports, and strategic documents to support decision-making.
• Build a foundation for future growth, with the potential to recruit and manage a team as the function expands.

You’D Be A Good Fit With:

• 10+ years of professional experience in strategy, technology, or financial services, with proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects.
• 5+ years of experience in roles requiring direct engagement with C-level stakeholders and external partners.
• Demonstrated track record of driving organizational strategy and execution in high-tech or financial services.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly understand new technical domains.

You’D Be A Great Fit With:

• Advanced degree (MBA, Ph.D., or equivalent) in business, computer science, physics, engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience in quantum computing, financial services technology, or cryptography.
• Familiarity with quantum security, including PQC and QKD.
• Background in building or scaling new business units or product lines.

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park, MD, Bothell, WA) or fully remote in the US.
Travel: Up to 10%
Job ID:  1162

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!