Principal Solutions Architect, Quantum-Safe Networks at IonQ (Remote, USA)

Job Description

IonQ is hiring a Principal Solutions Architect for quantum-safe networks to design how large network operators, enterprises and government agencies protect their networks against future quantum computers. As IonQ’s ad explains, every operator will need to inventory its cryptography, make it agile, migrate to post-quantum algorithms and, in the highest-assurance segments, add quantum key distribution (QKD). This role works out what that architecture looks like on real networks and turns it into reusable designs.

At a glance

• Role: Principal Solutions Architect, Quantum-Safe Networks
• Team: Quantum Platform – Network and Security
• Location: USA: remote, hybrid or on site at an IonQ office
• Experience: 15+ years designing and securing enterprise or service-provider networks
• Base pay: US$192,979–276,722
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 14 October 2026)

What the role covers

• Design quantum-safe target architectures and migration paths across WAN and transport, data-centre and campus networks, segmentation, access control and key management
• Lead discovery and architecture workshops with customers’ network, security and infrastructure teams, and build migration plans they can execute
• Own the technical thread in complex bids: architecture proposals, RFI/RFP responses, security questions and competitive positioning
• Run proofs of concept and interoperability tests, including where external key material such as QKD keys can be inserted
• Turn field experience into reference architectures, migration playbooks, standards contributions, white papers and conference talks
• Feed product requirements back to IonQ’s engineering and product teams (this is an architecture and customer role, not a coding role)

What IonQ is looking for

• 15+ years designing and securing enterprise or service-provider networks as a solutions, network or security architect or senior customer-facing engineer
• Hands-on knowledge of routing and switching, IP transport, segmentation, firewalls, network-layer encryption and Zero Trust, with multi-vendor experience (e.g. Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Nokia)
• Working knowledge of applied cryptography in networks: TLS, IPsec, MACsec, PKI, certificate lifecycle and key management
• Experience leading workshops and discussing risk, cost and sequencing with CISOs and senior infrastructure leaders
• Enough grounding in post-quantum cryptography, crypto-agility and quantum key distribution to be credible from day one (a completed PQC migration is not required)
• Strong written communication for architectures and migration plans

Pay and location

IonQ lists a base salary range of US$192,979–276,722. The position is US-based and can be fully remote, hybrid or on site at one of IonQ’s offices; benefits listed include medical, dental and vision cover, a matching 401(k) and unlimited paid time off.

How to apply

Apply through the official IonQ job posting. IonQ’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 14 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.

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