Senior Program Manager - Insider Threat

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.

While quantum computing holds immense promise, it also poses future security challenges, such as potentially rendering RSA encryption vulnerable. Therefore, protecting our cutting-edge research is of paramount importance today. As our Senior Program Manager for Insider Threat, you'll help to safeguard IonQ by developing a program, governance, and workflows for detecting, deterring, and mitigating insider risks.

In the first three months, you will help develop the core program documentation and workflows. You will collaborate with external teams like IT, Legal and People (HR) to integrate into company processes. You will work with our technical security experts to build detection capabilities and perform investigations.

Core Responsibilities

• Spearhead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive Insider Threat Program designed to identify, deter, and mitigate potential insider risks
• Leverage tools such as UAM, SIEM, and DLP to identify anomalies, initiate cases, and conduct follow-ups on investigative findings
• Develop and maintain insightful dashboards and metrics that effectively communicate trends and facilitate informed decision-making
• Create standardized playbooks to ensure investigative processes are scalable and efficient
• Foster collaboration with Legal, People, Security, Facilities, and leadership teams to bolster insider threat detection and response capabilities
• Investigate data exfiltration attempts, unauthorized access, and privilege abuse to safeguard intellectual property and prevent espionage
• Analyze social engineering tactics, policy violations, and suspicious financial activity as part of insider threat investigations
• Conduct risk assessments on personnel, contractors, and third-party vendors to identify individuals with access to sensitive data
• Coordinate with HR, legal, counterintelligence, and law enforcement agencies to investigate insider incidents
• Develop and deliver Insider Threat Awareness Training for employees and security teams
• Ensure compliance with CNSSD 504, DoDD 5205.16, and other relevant DoD insider threat policies
• Partner with internal technical engineers to apply innovative techniques for detecting suspicious behavior and potential insider threats
• Manage program governance documentation, including defining roles and responsibilities, and ensure compliance with the control environment
• Stay abreast of emerging threats, industry trends, and best practices to continuously and proactively enhance the program
  
  

The ideal candidate will have experience contributing to multiple concurrent initiatives. Every day you will learn and explore, applying what you already know to a new environment and new problem. You will balance multiple activities with a keen eye for prioritizing for the biggest impact. You'll strive for simplicity and demonstrate significant creativity and incisive judgment. You'll enjoy learning technical topics, working across multiple business streams, and be uniquely positioned to help us reach the next horizon in secure quantum computing. You will take ownership of the outcome for the work you take on.

You'd be a good fit with:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent practical experience. We value diverse backgrounds and encourage applicants with relevant experience from non-traditional pathways.
• 3 years of experience in security operations
• 2 years of experience in insider threat analysis
• Deep understanding of behavioral analytics and techniques for detecting risks
• Experiencing with data classification and labeling in Google Workspace
• Experience with technologies such as DLP, UAM, and SIEM
• Experience implementing and auditing least privilege based on RBAC
• Excitement to learn and get things done right
• Empathy for your internal and external customers and excellent communication skills, since you'll be working with folks of all backgrounds -- technical and non-technical alike!
  
  

You'd be a great fit with:

• 2 years of experience leading a dedicated Insider Threat or Counterintelligence program
• Experience with security tools used to detect and mitigate insider threats
• Experience conducting in-depth threat analysis and proactive threat hunting using SIEM and EDR solutions
• Background in internal fraud investigations or conducting interviews
• Knowledge of Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR)
• Experience implementing a program to achieve least privilege access to data
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) to automate security workflows
• Experience with threat intelligence platforms and feeds
• Proven ability to lead security initiatives
• Prior experience with NIST 800-53 and NIST 800-171 audits and implementation of controls
  
  

Location: This role will ideally be located at our Bothell, WA or College Park, MD locations and able to work remotely several days a week.

Travel: One week per quarter.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $123,191 - $161,289.

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, a quick 15-minute metro from 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, or Toronto. 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.

The position you are applying for may 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 status for export controls and government contracts work and/or obtaining any necessary license/confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. 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!