Staff Technical Communications Lead - Quantum R&D

IonQ; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 111,692 - 145,649; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Matching 401(K)

Unlimited PTO and paid holidays

Parental/adoption leave

Legal insurance

Home technology stipend

Job summary

Join IonQ as a Staff Technical Communications Lead in Boston, MA, part of a team aiming to bridge complex quantum concepts and the public. This role involves translating technical research into clear content for various media, while collaborating closely with R&D to align messaging with company priorities.

Candidates should possess extensive experience in technical writing and a degree in a relevant field. IonQ offers competitive compensation, including base salary and benefits. Hybrid and remote work options are available.

Qualifications

• 8–12 years of professional experience in technical writing or related fields.
• Strong narrative translation of complex technical concepts.
• Ability to operate autonomously and influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Translate quantum concepts into accessible content across formats.
• Develop technical highlights showcasing IonQ's innovations.
• Partner with R&D to build a structured content pipeline.

Skills

Technical writing

Scientific communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Complex concept translation

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or computer science

Job description

Staff Technical Communications Lead - Quantum R&D

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 role will be based on‑site at our Boston, MA office. We are open to hybrid and remote options for the right candidate. Travel: Up to 25%, domestic & international. Job ID: 1652

We are looking for a Technical Communications Lead (Quantum R&D) to join our Global Marketing & Communications team, partnering closely with R&D. As a Technical Communications 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 translating complex quantum computing concepts into clear content and building a structured pipeline of technical communications. The ideal candidate is someone who is a bridge‑builder, operating horizontally to connect scientific breakthroughs with the outside world.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex quantum computing concepts, research, and product developments into clear, accessible content across formats including web, blog, presentations, and thought leadership.
• Develop “technical highlights” that showcase IonQ’s innovation and differentiate our approach in the market.
• Partner closely with R&D teams to understand key workstreams, milestones, and priorities to build a structured content pipeline.
• Ensure technical accuracy while tailoring messaging to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Support R&D leaders in preparing for external engagements such as conferences, panels, and publications.
• Align technical content with broader company messaging, product positioning, and corporate priorities.
• Track developments across the quantum ecosystem to identify opportunities for IonQ thought leadership.
• Enable scientists and engineers to effectively communicate their work externally.

Requirements

• 8–12 years of professional experience in technical writing, scientific communication, or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Strong ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Ability to operate with autonomy and influence across senior stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in a relevant field.
• Direct experience within the quantum computing or deep tech industry.
• Experience supporting prototype‑to‑product transitions in a communications capacity.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $111,692 – $145,649. 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.