IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution.

We are looking for a Contract Program Manager, People. As a Program Manager, People 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.

You will lead the design, launch, and enterprise-wide rollout of high-impact People programs. This role will partner closely with the Director, People Programs and Staff Program Manager, This role will own the development of our centralized knowledge repository (“Employee Central”), support M&A integration efforts, and ensure seamless execution of critical people programs and projects. This individual will act as a force multiplier for the People function — translating loosely defined initiatives into structured plans, tracking execution, and ensuring delivery with clarity, rigor, and strong stakeholder coordination.

Responsibilities:

Employee Central (Knowledge Repository) Ownership: Own the strategy, structure, and rollout of our centralized knowledge repository (“Employee Central”) in partnership with Centers of Excellence (COEs). Build dedicated resource hubs for: target audience. Ensure content governance, maintenance processes, and long-term sustainability. Drive adoption and continuous improvement of the platform.

M&A Integration Support & Playbook Ownership Coordinate M&A diligence efforts across HR, Legal, Finance, and IT.

Track milestones, action items, risks, and dependencies.
Facilitate integration meetings and ensure alignment across stakeholders.
Own the creation and continuous improvement of the People Team M&A Playbook, documenting processes, templates, lessons learned, and best practices.

Strategic Initiative Planning & Execution

Translate loosely defined business priorities into structured, actionable work plans.
Define milestones, timelines, ownership, risks, and success metrics.
Drive follow-ups and accountability to ensure timely delivery.
Provide clear status reporting and visibility to leadership.

Employee Communications & Change Management of People Programs

Support communications planning in partnership with the comms team and tracking for key People initiatives.
Partner with stakeholders, to ensure clear, timely, and effective communication.
Assist in site planning strategy, driving change management, execution, and communication alignment.

Performance & Talent Program Support

Support planning and execution of performance and talent programs.
Ensure timelines, stakeholder alignment, and adoption across the organization.
Track implementation progress and surface risks proactively.

Learning & Development Enablement

Support LMS rollout execution, including early-stage learning operations and testing.
Work closely with the team and stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and user adoption.
Drive communication and change management across the company.
Help refine processes for learning operations as the function scales.

Cross-Functional & Ad-Hoc Project Support

Provide execution support for high-priority, business-critical initiatives.
Step into ambiguous situations and bring structure, clarity, and progress.
Act as a trusted partner across the People team and cross-functional stakeholders.

You’d be a good fit with:

5–8+ years of experience in People Operations, HR Program Management, Business Operations, or similar roles.
Strong program and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
Experience supporting cross-functional initiatives involving HR, Legal, Finance, and IT.
Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

You’d be a great fit with:

Experience supporting M&A integration.
Experience implementing LMS or HR systems and driving communication
Experience building internal knowledge repositories or centralized resource hubs.
Familiarity with change management principles and organizational design.

Location: This role may be based anywhere in the United States, with some expected travel.

The approximate hourly pay range for this position is $60/hr - $63/hr This is a contract role that is expected to go 5 months with the possbility of extenion or going full time.

Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance!

IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!

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.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!

Contractor - Program Manager, People

TLDR