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 Scientist specializing in quantum characterization and benchmarking. This role will be located at our new facility in Seattle, Washington. On the System Performance and Architecture team, 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 work to develop benchmarks to measure the performance of our trapped-ion quantum processors. You will help design processor-level benchmarks, and will provide technical analysis of benchmarking strategies and protocols. Your work will inform the selection of performance measures and targeted engineering requirements. You will work creatively as a part of a team to help mentor peers in a continuous learning environment.
Responsibilities:
- Develop many-qubit benchmarks capable of assessing the holistic performance of a quantum processor.
- Tailor benchmarks to be sensitive to specific types of noise as determined by component-level characterizations and first principles.
- Work collaboratively with other physicists and software engineers to implement characterization and benchmarking methods within a larger analysis framework.
- Collaborate with sub-system teams to develop technical requirements for engineered systems.
- Explore scientific literature and contribute to the dissemination and development of learning resources.
- Plan and lead technical projects involving multiple stakeholders from different teams within the organization.
You’d be a good fit with:
- PhD in Quantum Physics, Engineering or a related field and 1+ years professional experience
- Demonstrated experience in the characterization and benchmarking of quantum processors, specifically in the design of benchmarking protocols and the interpretation of their evaluation.
- Specialization in quantum information theory, quantum computing, or similar.
- Python programming
You’d be a great fit with:
- 3+ years experience in a professional or academic setting
- Experience in a large corporate or national lab organization
- Experience with trapped ion systems
- Experience with programming in modern C++ or Rust
- Experience running algorithms on quantum computers (submitting jobs, collecting & analyzing results).
The salary range for this position is $115,692 to $145,862.
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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IonQ Offices
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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.
