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 50 % domestic travel
Job ID: 1638
The Role:
We are looking for a Senior Public Sector Lead - SLED to join our Government Affairs team. As a SLED 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 driving IonQ’s growth within state and local government agencies and educational institutions. The ideal candidate is a proactive relationship-builder who understands the nuances of state-level funding, regional economic development, and university-led research partnerships.
Responsibilities:
- Execute a comprehensive SLED engagement strategy that aligns state-level technology initiatives with IonQ’s quantum roadmap.
- Advocate for IonQ’s interests within state legislatures and executive branches to influence regional technology policy and funding.
- Monitor state and local legislative developments to identify potential risks and opportunities for quantum research and deployment.
- Partner with regional sales teams to identify and capture procurement opportunities within state agencies and public universities.
- Engage with university leadership and research departments to foster partnerships that utilize IonQ’s quantum systems for academic innovation.
- Develop state-specific messaging that highlights how quantum computing can drive regional economic development and job creation.
- Represent IonQ in state-level industry coalitions, technology councils, and education-focused advocacy groups.
- Provide strategic guidance to internal leadership on the impact of state-level regulations, government incentives, and local government procurement cycles.
- Manage external consultants.
Requirements:
- 8+ years of professional experience in State and Local Government Affairs, SLED Sales, or Public Policy.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Political Science, or equivalent practical experience.
- Deep knowledge of state-level procurement vehicles, RFP processes, and budget cycles.
- Proven ability to navigate complex relationships with state governors’ offices, CIOs, and university chancellors.
- Excellent presentation skills with the ability to articulate technical value to state and local policy leaders.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in Law, Public Policy, or Education Administration.
- Existing network within high-impact state technology councils or the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).
- Experience in the semiconductor or high-performance computing (HPC) industries
The approximate base salary range for this position is $147,712 - $192,621. 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 401(k), 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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