Senior Legal Program Manager at Ionq

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 move fast. We need a Senior Legal Program Manager who operates as an engine for the Legal team—someone who doesn't just spot problems but rolls up their sleeves to fix them. In this role, you will be the primary operator ensuring our legal projects cross the finish line. You will support a diverse set of legal needs (Intellectual Property, Patents, Labor & Employment, Lobbying Transparency) with a focus on execution and high-quality results. We need a builder who can gather detailed requirements, scrub data, implement tools, and drive projects from vague concepts to concrete completion. Responsibilities End-to-End Project Execution • Delivery: Lead legal projects from initiation to close. You will personally handle requirements gathering, milestone tracking, and deliverable creation. • Requirements Engineering: Sit with attorneys and stakeholders to translate complex legal needs into clear, actionable project plans. You will be responsible for defining what "done" looks like and assessing project success post-launch. • Gap Analysis: Proactively identify bottlenecks in legal workflows. If a process is broken, you will map it, fix it, and document the new standard operating procedure (SOP). IP & Patent Portfolio Operations • Hands-on Management: dive into our IP management systems (e.g., Foundation IP) to ensure data integrity. You will be responsible for the accuracy of the data that drives our patent strategy. • Workflow Simplification: Reduce the administrative burden on IP attorneys by creating smoother intake processes for invention disclosures and patent decisions. Legal Technology & Data Implementation • Tech Enablement: Play a leading role in executing the Legal Technology roadmap. You will participate in evaluating and selecting tools, driving implementation, configuration, user acceptance testing (UAT), and training for new systems. • Dashboards & Reporting: Build (not just manage) the reporting framework. You will create the processes and dashboards that track Outside Counsel spend, matter volumes, and IP metrics to provide leadership with clear visibility. Operational "Connective Tissue" • Cross-Functional Agility: Work directly with IT, HR, and other cross-functional teams to ensure legal requirements are integrated into company-wide initiatives. • Resource Optimization: tactical management of vendor and Outside Counsel operational data to ensure we are staying within budget and adhering to billing guidelines. You’d be a good fit: • Experience: 7+ years of experience in Legal Project Management, Legal Operations, or Technical Program Management (TPM). Hardware or engineering-centric experience is a plus. • Execution Focus: Proven track record of being an Individual Contributor (IC) who executes complex projects without a large support staff. You must be comfortable doing the work yourself. • Technical Aptitude: Strong proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets, project management software (Jira, Asana, Monday.com), and data visualization tools. You should be comfortable learning new software quickly. • Methodology: Clear understanding of project management principles (waterfall and agile), specifically applied to non-software environments. You’d be a great fit with: • Tech industry experience, including with complex technologies • Demonstrated experience in fast-paced, results-oriented organizations • Degree or certificate related to program or project management • Prior experience working with a legal organization Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park, MD, Bothell, WA) or fully remote in the US. Travel: Up to 10% Job ID: 1337 The approximate base salary range for this position is $111,692 - $145,649. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity. 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!