VP of Software

We are looking for a VP of Software to lead our software development efforts. As the VP of Software, you’ll lead a team of software engineers, testers, scientists, and project managers 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’ll be responsible for the engineering development and software operations of our software stack from cloud down to firmware. You will own the strategic planning, direction and day-to-day execution of our software engineering and operations; as well as provide input into IonQ’s overall business strategy. This role reports into the VP of Engineering.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead engineering strategy and delivery of our software technologies and capabilities for quantum computing from inception to new product introduction; including the delivery of prototypes and production software across the full stack from cloud down to firmware
• Own business execution and manage the Software organization, delivering on company-wide goals, OKRs, and technical milestones for our cloud, operating system, compiler, developer tools, and quantum controls initiatives on time and within budget
• Strategic planning, direction and control of software development activities; as well as input into the overall business strategy
• Work with the Head of Engineering, Product and Marketing, as well as the executive team to translate business goals and product requirements into actionable development plans 
• Communicate strategy developments, provide ongoing executive updates, prioritize initiatives, and escalate roadblocks to executive leadership
• Contribute to and improve the company’s Software, Technology, and Product Roadmaps 
• Lead technical teams of Software Engineers, Scientists, Engineers, and Technical Program Managers to meet programmatic performance, schedule, cost, and quality commitments 
• Support business development and sales as necessary
• Lead the Software organization’s technical teams, including assigning and directing work, driving performance management, and managing department budgets
• Communicate development progress and issues to management and across the organization
• Hire and develop staff with the right skills for success 
• Assist in the career development of others, including performance assessments for mid-year and end-of-year reviews, compensation adjustments, and provide mentorship on advanced technical issues 

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Bachelors or Master’s degree in an engineering field, preferably computer science
• 20+ years of progressive experience operating in engineering or related discipline in the technology sector
• Experience as leader in an organization that has experienced substantial growth
• 10+ years of managing technology teams and growing leaders - managed at least 3 layers of management and team sizes of at least 150+ FTEs
• Demonstrated experience having built and delivered at least one complex first of kind cloud service or software stack for a hardware product
• Knowledge of team management best practices and demonstrated experience building and scaling effective teams that drives a high-performance culture in a hybrid work environment 
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills 
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion 

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Demonstrated history and growth in both functional and technical management of complex software systems
• Familiarity with real-time system development for time critical operations; 
• Demonstrated experience across the software stack
• Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions effectively and efficiently
• Demonstrated ability to identify and prioritize strategic initiatives and opportunities
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to influence colleagues and executives to C level and external board
• Proven technical leadership experience, including the ability to gain the respect of cross-functional engineering teams
• Be a player-coach + help your leadership meet and exceed all of the expectations listed above
• Knowledge of trapped ion quantum computing systems

This role will be located in Seattle, WA