Technical Communications Writer - Quantum R&D

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k)

Unlimited PTO

Parental/adoption leave

Home technology stipend

Job summary

IonQ, Inc. in the United States is seeking a Technical Communications Writer (Quantum R&D) to translate complex quantum computing concepts into clear content and build a structured pipeline of technical communications.

You’ll bridge technical breakthroughs with the outside world and help shape IonQ’s thought leadership. The ideal candidate has 2+ years in technical writing or scientific communication, with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and experience working across technical and

Qualifications

• 2 years of professional experience in technical writing or scientific communication.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, computer science, or 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.
• 2 years experience in technical writing, scientific communication, or related fields through a Ph.D. program, corporation, research lab or other technical field.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex quantum computing concepts, research, and product developments into clear content across formats (web, blog, presentations, thought leadership).
• Develop technical highlights showcasing IonQ’s innovation and differentiation.
• Partner with R&D teams to understand milestones and priorities to build a content pipeline.
• Ensure technical accuracy while tailoring messaging to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support R&D leaders in preparing for external engagements (conferences, panels, publications).
• Align technical content with broader company messaging and product positioning.
• Track developments in the quantum ecosystem to identify thought leadership opportunities.
• Enable scientists and engineers to communicate their work externally.
• Collaborate with communications to translate technical achievements for diverse audiences.

Skills

Technical writing

Scientific communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Autonomy & influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or CS

MS/PhD in a relevant field (preferred)

Job description

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 may be open to hybrid or remote options for the right candidate as long as their location is in the Northeast.

Travel: Up to 25%, domestic & international Job ID: 1652

The Role

We are looking for a Technical Communications Writer (Quantum R&D) to join our Global External Communications team, partnering closely with R&D and Engineering. As a Technical Communications Writer, 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 translate technical 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.
• Work closely with the communications team to position and translate technical achievements across audiences.

Requirements

• 2 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.
• 2 years experience in technical writing, scientific communication, or related fields through a Ph.D. program, corporation, research lab or other technical field.

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 $113K - 155K. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

If this role has a commission structure, the compensation range below just reflects the base compensation range.

Wage Transparency:

$112,800 — $155,800 USD

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.