Senior Technical Program Manager at PwC leading software engineering projects and mentoring junior members. Overseeing development initiatives and aligning solutions with industry standards across the Advisory practice.
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Hybrid Principal Researcher – Technical Program Manager, Quantum Key Distribution, Secure Quantum Networking
Posted 3 months ago
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
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