Production Manager, Quantum Compute

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, helps 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 across the U.S. and internationally.

About the role

IonQ is looking for an agile, operationally excellent Production Manager to lead our high-mix, low-volume manufacturing floor. In this role, you will bridge the gap between cutting-edge quantum engineering and scalable operations. You will manage a highly skilled team of technicians assembling complex, scientific-grade electromechanical, optomechanical, and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic, scaling environments and will partner with Supply Chain and Program Management to optimize production workflows while laying the operational foundation for IonQ’s next phase of growth.

Location: Onsite in Bothell, WA
Travel: Up to 15% domestically

Responsibilities

• Lead, grow, and resource a team of skilled opto-mechanical and electrical manufacturing technicians; design and maintain advanced training programs to accelerate technical development, career growth, and optical alignment capacity.
• Coach and partner with Production Support Engineers to rapidly resolve non-conformances and provide real-time build support during late-stage NPI and production runs.
• Own production execution and customer deliveries, continuously optimizing short- and long-term build plans.
• Dynamically re-factor schedules and re-allocate labor in real-time to absorb changes in the manufacturing environment, similar to late-stage NPI programs.
• Partner with Supply Chain Management (SCM) to align on component lead times, critical-path bottlenecks, and material readiness, mitigating supply chain delays and shortages.
• Optimize the physical manufacturing floor layout and point-of-use inventory strategies in partnership with the Inventory and Logistics team to maximize throughput and minimize waste.
• Design, implement, and maintain advanced training programs for technicians to improve quality and develop optical alignment capacity in collaboration with Manufacturing and Test Engineering.
• Participate in NPI Programs as a Production representative, partnering with leadership to allocate resources for NPI builds as capacity allows.
• Collaborate with leadership on team resource planning, including filling open roles and forecasting future staffing needs.
• Develop and improve production processes, refining 5S and LEAN principles, and formalizing workflows with Manufacturing and Quality Engineering.
• Effectively communicate priorities, production progress, risks, and resource needs to senior leadership while facilitating cross-functional alignment.
• Maintain and improve current production management systems while helping define the future roadmap for scalable shop-floor tracking and digital tools.
• Partner with Quality Management to analyze yield data, identify throughput trends, root-cause failures, and implement corrective actions (CAPA).
• Serve as a champion for cleanroom protocols (ISO standards), laser safety compliance, and specialized handling of sensitive components.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience managing production/manufacturing operations in a high-mix, low-volume environment (e.g., aerospace, defense, medical devices, semiconductor, or advanced scientific instrumentation).
• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Management, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent experience in advanced technology hardware manufacturing (aerospace, semiconductor, medical devices) may also be considered.
• Demonstrated track record of effective people leadership, with a focus on talent development, employee upskilling, and performance management.
• Proven experience managing highly dynamic build plans requiring rapid, flexible pivot planning.
• Strong experience driving operational maturity by establishing standardized practices from legacy or uncodified processes.
• High-level understanding of complex electromechanical and optomechanical assemblies to accurately gauge build complexities and resource constraints.
• Proficiency using ERP tools like NetSuite, project management software (e.g., Jira), collaborative spreadsheets, and basic data visualization tools like Power BI.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing, migrating, or heavily configuring a formal Manufacturing Execution System (MES) or expanding modern ERP features on a shop floor.
• Experience scaling teams of 10-15+—optimizing organizational structures, implementing shift coverage, expanding leadership tiers, and architecting specialized technical teams.
• Experience working within cleanrooms (ISO classes) and managing laser safety protocols.
• Background in specialized component handling (e.g., fiber optics, ultra-high vacuum/UHV systems).
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification with a focus on value stream mapping and bottleneck elimination.

Pay

The approximate base salary range for this position is $151,756 - $198,688. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options. Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, experience, specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Matching 401(k).
• Unlimited PTO and paid holidays.
• Parental/adoption leave.
• Legal insurance.
• Home technology stipend.