Federal Capture Director

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. 

As our company continues its rapid growth trajectory and expands engagement with government-funded initiatives, we need additional help developing new relationships with the Federal Government and responding to the resulting funding opportunities. We are looking for a strategic leader to serve on the Federal Capture team. The role requires an exceptional operator who can think strategically, execute flawlessly, and build relationships across multiple high-priority domains.

In this role, the Director, Federal Capture would serve as the assistant to the SVP and Technical Lead of IonQ Federal. The Director will create and develop relationships with Federal partners, shape new funding opportunities, coordinate the response to existing calls, and ensure that IonQ delivers on work for Federal partners. 

Responsibilities:

• Federal Capture & Proposal Leadership: Lead end-to-end capture processes for large-scale federal and state funding opportunities, including multi-agency grants and strategic contracts.
• Strategic Advisory: Serve as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to the SVP, managing high-priority initiatives and preparing briefing materials, decision memos, and executive summaries for leadership.
• Coalition & Ecosystem Building: Build and lead cross-sector coalitions—incorporating national labs, universities, and industry peers—to strengthen IonQ’s competitive positioning and advance regional innovation.
• Stakeholder Management: Cultivate and maintain high-trust relationships with key stakeholders across the DOE, DOC, DOD, and other relevant federal and state agencies.

You’d be a good fit with: 

• 10+ years of progressive experience in government relations, corporate strategy, or federal business development.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in securing or influencing significant federal/state investments within the technology or R&D sectors.
• Sector Expertise: Deep understanding of the Quantum Information Science (QIS) landscape, including familiarity with major national centers, hubs, and federal research initiatives.
• Coalition Leadership: Experience leading large-scale, multi-organizational consortia across government, academia, and industry.
• Executive Communication: Exceptional ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling mission-relevant applications for executive and government audiences.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a hard science (e.g., Chemistry, Physics), Business, or Political Science; MBA degree preferred.

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Existing high-level security clearance (e.g., DOE Q/SCI or equivalent).
• Recognized leadership within national technology organizations or advisory councils.
• Experience launching and scaling national-level workforce development or educational programs.

Location: This role can work onsite or hybrid from our College Park, MD.  We are open to a fully remote option for the right candidate.
Travel: Approximately 10–20% for candidates based in the Washington, DC area; up to 20–30% for candidates based elsewhere.
Job ID: 1326 

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!