Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property

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 go-getter Patent and IP attorney who will serve as a critical business partner, to support one or more IONQ businesses. You will take personal responsibility for outcomes and demonstrate an owner's mentality in developing and executing our global IP strategy, aligning legal strategy with core business objectives.

This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise in Quantum-relevant technologies, such as physics and electrical engineering, coupled with patent, IP and general legal expertise.  A pro-active approach to intellectual property, portfolio management, and business-driven risk management is a must.  The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong bias for action, moving swiftly from idea to implementation, and will embody a pioneer and break barriers mindset by challenging existing paradigms and driving continuous progress in the quantum space.

Responsibilities:

• Patent Program Development & Ongoing Leadership: Build and maintain effective patent programs, including harvesting novel inventions, managing patent committees, to ensure maximum value and alignment with long-term financial stability.
• Prosecution: Prosecute patents for key technologies.  Oversee the preparation, filing, and prosecution of complex U.S. and international patent applications related to quantum technologies.
• IP Portfolio Management: Support the development, execution, and optimization of our global IP strategy, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Manage and direct our patent pipeline by soliciting/developing invention disclosures, conducting inventor interviews, and presenting disclosures at cross-functional patent committee meetings.
• Benchmarking and Competitive Analysis: Drive patent/industry landscaping and competitive analysis projects, supporting business goals and influencing IP strategies. 

Success in this role requires a candidate who can excel in collaboration and demonstrate reliability, working as one team to achieve shared goals. Client service is critical, and our team members see themselves as part of the business.  Success also requires a candidate who can use their expertise in Patents to contribute to other types of legal projects.

• Client Services & Collaboration: Act as a primary IP legal partner for engineering, R&D, and product teams, providing practical and business-oriented advice. Educate and train teammates on IP best practices and risk mitigation to foster a culture of compliance and creativity.
• Transactions & Licensing: Participate in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of IP-related agreements, including licensing, technology transfer, non-disclosure agreements, and strategic partnerships. Support IP due diligence for M&A and other strategic transactions.

You'd be a good fit if you have:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.
• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Science/Engineering Background: A B.S. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field relevant to quantum technologies.
• Extensive experience (8+ years preferred) as a practicing patent attorney, with in-house experience at a complex hardware/tech company.
• Demonstrated experience with Trade Secret laws and programs
• Proven ability to proactively manage complex, global IP portfolios and drive strategy.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to have frequent, effective interactions with a wide array of teams within IonQ.
• Ability to travel once per month to Bothell, WA, or elsewhere as needed for various engineering sites to meet with clients.

You'd be a great fit if you have:

• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining a structured internal patent program (harvesting, committees, pruning).
• Experience in Trademarks
• Experience or familiarity with open-source software compliance 
• Experience or familiarity with academic collaborations/technology transfer.
• Experience in IP litigation and/or transactions
• Managed outside counsel effectively
  
  

Location: This role will work onsite at our office located in Bothell, WA.  We are open to hybrid and remote options for the right candidate.
Travel: Up to 15%
Job ID:  

The approximate base salary range for this position is $195,349 - $254,742. 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!