About IonQ:
IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.
Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.
Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices in the US or fully remote.
Travel: Up to 10%
Job ID: 1639
The Role:
We are looking for a Global Government Affairs Director to join our Government Affairs team. As a Global Government Affairs Lead, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most complex problems.
In this role, you will be responsible for defining, developing, and executing IonQ’s legislative and policy agenda while scaling our public sector initiatives from the U.S. to global markets. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader and sophisticated communicator who can navigate the intersection of high-tech innovation and complex regulatory landscapes.
Responsibilities:
- Drive the legislative and policy strategies for IonQ by collaborating with senior management to define and execute advocacy agendas globally.
- Lead the analysis of proposed legislation to determine potential risks and develop sophisticated responses through early engagement.
- Implement monitoring programs for legislative and regulatory developments to educate internal stakeholders and advocate for IonQ interests.
- Formulate strategic policy positions and action plans regarding new or existing laws that impact the quantum computing industry.
- Identify and support participation in third-party advocacy groups and industry coalitions to amplify IonQ’s voice.
- Collaborate with Sales teams to identify public sector business opportunities and navigate government procurement processes.
- Develop tailored corporate messaging and brand strategies that resonate with government and public sector audiences.
- Coordinate disparate public sector engagement activities across the company to ensure strict alignment with the overall strategic plan.
- Build internal teams and manage external resources, such as consultants and agencies, to scale the government affairs program.
Requirements:
- 10+ years of professional experience in Government Affairs, Public Policy, or Legislative Advocacy within the technology sector.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or equivalent practical experience.
- Proven track record of building relationships with U.S. federal agencies and navigating public sector procurement.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into persuasive policy narratives.
- Strong strategic guidance skills with the ability to highlight both risks and business opportunities to executive leadership.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (JD or MPP) in Law or Public Policy.
- Experience scaling government affairs programs in international markets beyond the U.S.
- Technical literacy in quantum computing, semiconductors, or emerging deep-tech sectors.
The approximate base salary range for this position is $195,349 - $254,742. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.
Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.
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!
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