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 Staff Hardware Design Engineer to join the Quantum Control System team. As a Hardware Design 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.
In this role, you will be part of a cross-functional group developing the custom electronics and embedded systems that enable quantum control operations - including ion trapping and shuttling, qubit preparation, gate execution, and readout. You will also help design and scale the control hardware needed to support multi-system integration and quantum networking, laying the foundation for scalable, distributed quantum computing architectures.
Responsibilities:
- Architect, design, and bring up custom mixed-signal electronics and high-speed digital systems used in quantum control and readout
- Design and implement ultra-high-precision clock distribution and synchronization systems to coordinate distributed control hardware at nanosecond (or better) precision
- Develop FPGA-based designs for control systems - including real-time signal processing, high-precision timing, and waveform generation
- Collaborate with physicists, firmware developers, and system engineers to define requirements and integrate hardware into experimental and production systems
You’d be a good fit with:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- 15+ years of experience with complex electronics design for high-speed digital, mixed signal applications
- Experience with high-speed, high-resolution waveform generation using FPGAs, DACs, and clocking subsystems
You’d be a great fit with:
- MS or PhD or equivalent industry experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
- Experience designing systems with Zynq Ultrascale+ SoCs or similar platforms
- Proven track record of end-to-end ownership of complex board designs - from schematic capture and layout through bring-up and integrated test
- Schematic capture with Altium Designer (preferred), OrCAD, or Allegro
- Perform logic design and verification using Vivado (Verilog or VHDL, IP Catalog, and Block Design)
- Detailed knowledge of FPGA based signal processing (DDC/DUC, DDS, FIR/IIR filters and PID control)
- Deep knowledge of high-precision clock systems, jitter reduction, and timing synchronization across multiple subsystems
- Knowledge of RF/Microwave/Optics (amplifiers, splitters/combiners, photodetectors)
- Professional programming experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) in a general-purpose language such as Python, Go, Rust, or C++
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills. Ability to communicate effectively with cross functional teams
Location: This role is based onsite at our headquarters in College Park, MD or at our Bothell, Washington facility.
Travel: Occasional, 2-4 times per year
Job ID: 1032
The approximate base salary range for this position is $143,777 - $167,740. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.
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, just outside of 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, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. 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.
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!
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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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