Senior Software Engineering Manager, Developer Tools

IonQ; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 200,698 - 262,765; Full time

Job summary

IonQ in Bothell, WA is seeking a Senior Software Engineering Manager for Developer Tools. You will lead a team delivering SDKs and libraries to program quantum computers and simulators, engaging with the developer community to stay ahead of industry trends.

You will drive technical leadership, scale a high-performance distributed team, and work across engineering, product, and cross-functional partners to deliver large programs. Hybrid role with remote days available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, Physics, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of hands-on technical leadership and people management.
• 5+ years of open-source contributions.
• 3+ years of Python programming experience.
• Past experience building SDKs, ideally for hybrid cloud environments.
• Experience scaling high-performance teams in distributed work settings.
• Strong stakeholder management and coordination with external software teams.
• Proven ability to establish metrics and drive ROI.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team building SDKs and libraries for quantum computers and related systems.
• Engage with developer forums and industry events to stay aligned with trends.
• Provide technical leadership for robust, scalable software solutions.
• Drive delivery of key team and organization-wide programs.
• Partner with Engineering Managers, Product Managers, and cross-functional teams.
• Develop program management techniques, frameworks, and KPIs.
• Create high-quality proposals, communications, and documentation.
• Publish plans to ensure alignment across teams and stakeholders.
• Influence peers and leaders while managing ambiguity.
• In first three months, help hire key staff to scale the function.

Skills

Python

Open‑source

People management

Stakeholder management

Program management

CI/CD

Observability

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

MS or PhD preferred

Job description

Senior Software Engineering Manager, Developer Tools

Bothell, Washington, United States

About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. (NYSE: IONQ) is a leading quantum platform and merchant supplier, delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. Our newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, has set world‑record performance metrics and supports customers such as Amazon Web Services and AstraZeneca.

This role is based in our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.

The Role

We are looking for a senior software engineering manager to lead and grow our developer tools team. You will help deliver access to our industry‑leading quantum computers and simulators via software development kits (SDKs) that make programming them a delight. You will regularly engage with the developer community to stay up to date with trends in industry and research.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of software engineers creating SDKs and libraries for programming quantum computers and interacting with the systems and services around them.
• Participate in developer forums and events to keep up with the field.
• Provide technical expertise and strong thought leadership in building robust, well‑engineered, scalable software solutions.
• Drive functional and technical delivery of key team and organization‑wide programs.
• Partner with Engineering Managers, Product Managers, and other cross‑functional partners to define, scope, and drive large programs to conclusion.
• Develop, implement, and iterate on program management techniques, frameworks, and KPIs.
• Define and produce high quality written proposals, communications, and documentation.
• Create widely circulated plans, driving consistency, clarity, and building alignment across teams.
• Help influence peers and leaders and build consensus while dealing with ambiguity.
• In the first three months, you’ll be helping hire key staff to scale this function.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 6+ years of hands‑on technical leadership and people management experience.
• 5+ years of open‑source contributions.
• 3+ years of programming experience in Python.
• Past experience building SDKs, ideally for use in hybrid cloud environments.
• Knowledge of team‑management best practices and experience building and scaling effective teams that drive a high‑performance culture in a distributed work environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to partner and align with external software teams.
• Sound project management, analytical skills, and ability to establish metrics to measure and drive a high return on investment.
• Expertise in modern software development practices and tools (e.g., continuous integration and delivery, observability).
• Client focus and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Quantum Information Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of technical leadership and people management experience.
• 3+ years of managing distributed teams.
• Experience as an open‑source project maintainer with an active community.

Compensation and Benefits

The approximate base salary range for this position is $200,698 – $262,765. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and benefit options. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, a matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend.

EEO Statement

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to 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.