Government Affairs & Public Policy Manager, EMEA

Position description

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 have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results 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 in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.  

IonQ is hiring a Government Affairs Manager to support our government affairs activity across Europe, working closely with the Head of International Government Affairs to strengthen relationships with policymakers, regulators, government agencies and industry bodies.

This is a hands-on role focused on policy research, stakeholder engagement and execution. You will help monitor political, regulatory and funding developments, prepare briefing materials, coordinate engagement with government stakeholders and support IonQ’s participation in relevant programmes, partnerships and industry initiatives. The role offers significant exposure across the business and the opportunity to develop within a strategically important and growing area for IonQ.

 

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyse policy, regulatory and funding developments relevant to quantum computing, emerging technology and IonQ’s activities across Europe
• Support engagement with government officials, regulators, industry associations and other external stakeholders, including preparing briefings and coordinating meetings and follow up activity
• Support IonQ’s participation in government programmes, funding opportunities, public-private partnerships and relevant industry initiatives
• Develop clear briefing notes, stakeholder materials and policy analysis to support senior leaders and external engagements
• Work across Government Affairs, Commercial, Legal, Communications and technical teams to ensure activity is coordinated and aligned with wider business priorities

Requirements:

• Experience in government affairs, public policy, regulation, political advisory work or a related environment, within industry, government, a trade association or consultancy
• A good understanding of European institutions and policy-making processes
• Strong research and written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear briefing materials and policy analysis
• Confidence engaging effectively with both internal and external stakeholders
• Organised, analytical and proactive, able to operate effectively in a fast moving international environment
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, the UK, with the ability to travel regularly across Europe

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in technology, deep tech, defence, semiconductors or another innovation led sector
• Additional European language capability
• Familiarity with government funding programmes, public-private partnerships or dual-use technology policy

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. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. 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. 

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.

Application instructions

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