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 are looking for a Director of Optical and Integrated Devices to lead our near and long term photonic integrated circuit (PIC) development for our quantum computers. As the Director of Optical and Integrated Devices, you’ll lead a highly cross-functional team of device experts, AMO physicists, scientists, optical engineers, layout and packaging specialists, and technicians to develop PIC technology and capabilities for trapped ion quantum computers.
In this role will oversee the design, development, and transition to manufacturing of IonQ’s Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) products. You will plan and execute prototype and production designs from concept through to operational testing and handoff. You will help shape and deliver the next generation of systems and be part of the 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.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the PIC development strategy and delivery of our photonic technologies and capabilities for quantum computing from inception to new product introduction; including the creation of prototypes, production designs, and the delivery of technical data packages to manufacturing and production.
- Work across Engineering and Technology, and Manufacturing to plan, execute, and monitor development activities with the goal of reducing size, weight, power, and cost and enabling low volume production of unique and scalable photonic engines for beam delivery, modulation, and optical readout for trapped ion quantum computers.
- Work closely with the Engineering Technology Office to develop the PIC Roadmap and align it to other technology and product development roadmaps.
- Work with department leads as well as the executive team to translate business goals and product requirements into actionable development plans.
- Own technical execution and manage the Optical and Integrated Devices organization, delivering on company-wide goals, OKRs, and technical milestones for integrated photonics, system, and device initiatives on time and within budget.
- Strategic planning, direction, and control of integrated photonic development activities, as well as providing input into the overall business strategy; help shape make-buy-partner strategies with external fabs, integration and packaging facilities, national labs and commercial vendors to support technology development and product delivery.
- Coordinate and help drive new microfabrication process development and integration in collaboration with external fabrication partners and foundries.
- Drive continuous improvement of design methodologies and processes for PIC development.
- Hire and develop staff with the right skills for success.
- Independently resolve issues and conquer organizational and technical challenges.
- Develop and actively manage project budgets, schedules, and risks.
- Lead the integrated photonic technical teams, including assigning and directing work, driving performance management to meet programmatic performance, schedule, cost, and quality commitments.
- Communicate development progress and issues to management and the wider organization; communicate strategy developments, provide ongoing executive updates, prioritize initiatives, and escalate roadblocks to executive leadership.
- Support bid & proposal development; responses to government solicitations; business development, and sales as necessary.
- 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:
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree in an engineering field or physics.
- 15 - 18+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications, optoelectronics, or microelectronics development with significant time in a management role.
- Demonstrated experience over the entire product development lifecycle taking an idea from concept to product delivery and operation.
- Demonstrated experience designing, building and delivering a complex, highly-integrated, first-of-a-kind photonic integrated circuit device in a commercial product or government platform.
- Demonstrated experience as a leader in an organization that has undergone substantial growth; experience in managing/leading a diverse team of strong Individual contributors and technical managers.
- Demonstrated experience managing technology teams and growing leaders.
- Significant familiarity with optical system design and microfabrication especially for micro- or nano-scale photonic devices.
- Knowledge of team management best practices and demonstrated experience building and scaling effective teams that drive a high-performance culture in a hybrid work. environment.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to travel 2 to 3 weeks a quarter. In Office – at least 40%.
- 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 integrated device-level systems.
- Demonstrated experience that spans the design, fabrication, and characterization lifecycle in semiconductor or similar industries for low-volume pilot lines.
- Demonstrated experience working with microfabrication process-integration engineers to develop new PIC platforms.
- Micro-electronic or micro-optical heterogenous packaging experience.
- Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions effectively and efficiently; ability to identify and prioritize strategic initiatives and opportunities.
- The ability to influence colleagues and executives to C level and external boards.
- Proven technical leadership experience, including the ability to gain the respect of cross-functional engineering teams.
- Capability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance.
- Knowledge of trapped ion quantum computing systems.
Location: This position can be located as remote or hybrid from one of our offices located in College Park, MD or Bothell, WA.
The approximate base salary range for this position is $187,358 - $245,300.
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 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.
If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!
Top Skills
What the Team is Saying
What We Do
Quantum computers are a revolutionizing technology — they have the potential to transform business, society, and the planet for the better, and IonQ is at the forefront of this revolution.
After over 25 years of academic research, IonQ was founded in 2015 by Chris Monroe and Jungsang Kim with $2 million in seed funding from New Enterprise Associates, a license to core technology from the University of Maryland and Duke University, and the goal of taking trapped ion quantum computing out of the lab and into the market. In the following three years, we raised an additional $20 million from GV, Amazon Web Services, and NEA, and built two of the world’s most accurate quantum computers.
In 2019, we raised another $55 million in a round led by Samsung and Mubadala, and announced partnerships with Microsoft and Amazon Web Services to make our quantum computers available via the cloud.
In 2020 and 2021, we built additional generations of high performance quantum hardware, added Google Cloud Marketplace to our cloud partner roster and announced a series of collaborations and business partnerships with leading academic and commercial institutions.
On October 1st, 2021, IonQ began trading as IONQ on the New York Stock Exchange, making it the world's first public pure-play quantum computing company. We remain hard at work realizing the world-changing potential of quantum computing.
Why Work With Us
We’re growing a passionate, diverse team of collaborative, creative people. We believe in pursuing innovative, challenging work with integrity, alongside team members we can learn from and grow with.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Our employees live across the globe, and are only expected to spend as much time on site as they need and/or want during the week. Nearly half of our employees are fully remote and live in several countries including Switzerland, Canada, and the US.
