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 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. Location This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices or fully remote in the US. Travel Up to 10% Job ID 1614 The Role We are looking for a Senior Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Engineer to join our Security team. As a Senior GRC Engineer, 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. Quantum computing and national security are inseparable. IonQ operates at the intersection of cutting-edge research and the defense industrial base, making rigorous cybersecurity compliance a core business imperative. In this role, you will own and drive IonQ's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) posture across the organization, from architecting compliant environments and leading C3PAO assessments to developing compliance strategy and advising internal teams at every level. The ideal candidate is a self-directed senior practitioner who can architect solutions, lead programs, and serve as the go-to internal expert across engineering, legal, and operations. In your first 90 days you will conduct a comprehensive gap assessment of our current CMMC posture, map CUI data flows across all environments, and develop a prioritized roadmap for building or maturing our SSP and associated artifacts. Responsibilities • Architect and own end-to-end CMMC implementation and audit readiness, including scoping strategy, control mapping, SSP and POA&M development, evidence collection, and remediation tracking across the organization. • Interpret and apply DFARS clause requirements, including DFARS 252.204-7012, 252.204-7019, and 252.204-7020, translating contractual obligations into operational controls and owning accurate SPRS submissions. • Lead recurring internal audits of NIST 800-171 security controls and drive end-to-end preparation for C3PAO assessments, including evidence packages, assessment logistics, and assessor coordination. • Architect CUI environments to meet CMMC boundary requirements, including network segmentation, access control, media protection, and FIPS-validated encryption; lead evaluation of cloud environments against CMMC scoping guidance. • Drive implementation of technical controls across NIST 800-171 practice families, including MFA, audit logging, configuration management, incident response, and vulnerability management, engaging directly with engineering teams. • Serve as the primary CMMC subject matter expert at IonQ, developing compliance roadmaps, facilitating readiness workshops, and providing authoritative guidance on DFARS flow-down requirements for subcontractors. • Partner with legal and contracts teams to review FAR/DFARS clauses in new and existing contracts, flagging CUI obligations and CMMC level requirements, and lead coordination with regulatory teams on ITAR and EAR obligations as they intersect with CUI handling. • Develop and operate a formal risk management program covering IT systems and infrastructure, maintain a risk register, and provide regular executive-level reporting on posture, open risks, and remediation progress. • Own and mature the organization's GRC platform to support evidence management, POA&M tracking, and risk register maintenance, and build compliance dashboards for leadership visibility. Requirements • 5–8 years of professional experience in cybersecurity compliance, GRC, or security engineering, with demonstrated hands-on ownership of NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC compliance programs. • Proven track record developing SSPs, POA&Ms, and C3PAO assessment artifacts, and independently scoping CUI environments across realistic system boundaries. • Deep working knowledge of DFARS cybersecurity clauses (7012, 7019, 7020), CMMC 2.0 framework structure across all three levels, and the difference in assessment methodology between self-assessment and C3PAO. • A technical background in systems administration, cloud security, or security engineering sufficient to credibly lead control implementation discussions with IT and engineering teams, including network architecture, IAM, key management, logging, and endpoint management. • Experience leading cross-functional compliance initiatives and translating technical requirements for non-technical stakeholders including legal, finance, and executive leadership. • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or equivalent practical experience. Preferred Qualifications • Familiarity with ITAR and EAR and how export control obligations intersect with CUI handling in a defense-adjacent research environment. • Hands-on experience with GRC platforms (e.g., Hyperproof, Drata, Anecdotes AI) and security tooling such as CSPM or vulnerability scanners. • Prior experience in a defense contractor, national laboratory, government, or high-security research environment. • CMMC certifications (CCP, CCA, or LCPA) are a strong plus, as are CISSP, CISM, CISA, or CRISC. The approximate base salary range for this position is $110,336 - $144,459. 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. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, 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. 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! Apply To This Job