Account Executive - US Federal (USAF/Navy)
Account Executive - US Federal (USAF/Navy)
Remote, US
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 help customers and partners like Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and others achieve significant performance gains 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 United States and internationally. IonQ’s quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while the company also serves networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space.
Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices or fully remote in the US.
Travel: 40%
The Role: We are looking for an Account Executive that will be part of our US Federal Go‑To‑Market team whose mission is to bring IonQ’s offering—including Quantum Hardware (Systems and Networks), Software, Applications, and Access—to a curated set of clients across the US Department of War. This is an individual contributor role with potential to build a team down the road.
Responsibilities
Strategic Aerospace and Maritime Partnerships: Cultivate and maintain executive-level relationships within the Department of the Air Force and Department of the Navy, including Program Executive Officers (PEOs), Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs), the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and the Office of Naval Research (ONR). Work in lockstep with your Field Engineer counterpart to align IonQ solutions with specific branch requirements.
Mission‑Focused Pipeline Generation: Develop a robust pipeline of opportunities across IonQ’s full stack, specifically targeting:
Quantum Computing for optimized flight scheduling, complex naval logistics, and electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO).
Quantum Networking for secure, intercept‑resistant tactical communications between carrier strike groups and distributed air wings.
Quantum Sensing for PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) in GPS‑denied environments, undersea warfare detection, and high‑altitude ISR platforms.
Strategic Qualification and Branch Alignment: Prioritize opportunities based on their potential for enhancing lethality and readiness, technical feasibility, and funding availability—specifically navigating RDT&E accounts and transitioning technologies into Programs of Record (PoR).
Full Lifecycle Capture Management: Own the end-to-end sales and capture lifecycle, navigating the federal acquisition process, leading technical qualifications, and managing formal RFI/RFP responses. Execute complex negotiations for defense-specific vehicles, including SBIR Phase II/III, OTAs, and Middle Tier Acquisition pathways.
Cross‑Functional Command: Mobilize and lead internal IonQ teams—including Security (clearing FOCI concerns), Legal, and Engineering—to provide the technical depth and compliance required to win high‑stakes USAF and Navy contracts.
Fleet and Wing Integration: Partner with delivery and support teams post-award to ensure seamless integration into the warfighter’s workflow, drive long‑term adoption, facilitate contract renewals, and identify expansion opportunities across the Joint Force.
Requirements
Defense GTM Tenure: Minimum of 10 years selling to the Department of the Air Force and/or the Department of the Navy with quota‑carrying responsibilities and a proven ability to close multi‑million‑dollar platform or infrastructure deals.
HPC and Mission Infrastructure Sales: Experience selling high‑performance computing, AI/ML infrastructure, or advanced mission systems (hardware or software) to the Department of War.
Air Force and Navy Network: Existing relationships within the Department of the Air Force (e.g., AFRL, AFMC, PEO Digital) and/or the Department of the Navy (e.g., ONR, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, PEO C4I) and a deep understanding of their unique mission sets.
Complex Federal GTM Problem Solving: Ability to navigate federal procurement, security compliance, and national security hurdles. Proven ability to move technologies from R&D into PoRs.
Preferred Qualifications
Targeted Senior‑Level Relationships: Existing senior‑level relationships with PEOs, Lab Directors, or Chief Scientists within AFRL, ONR, NAVWAR, or AFLCMC.
Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of USAF and Navy operational drivers and processes that can be enhanced using quantum technology, such as EMSO, fluid dynamics for hull/airframe design, and complex logistics for distributed maritime operations.
AI/ML for Defense: Experience selling AI/ML, high‑performance analytics, or autonomous systems solutions for mission planners, intelligence analysts, and tactical operators.
Quantum Literacy: Knowledge of Quantum technologies (Compute, Networks, Sensing) as they relate to Department of War applications, including post‑quantum cryptography, quantum‑enhanced ISR, and inertial navigation.
Category Creation: Experience in category creation selling frontier technology solutions that are not yet established PoRs or standard line items in RDT&E budgets.
Compensation: The approximate base salary range for this position is $169,869–$221,514. 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. 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.
EEO Statement
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.
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