Staff Engineer - Embedded Software
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.
The salary range for this position is $133,046 - $174,192.
We are looking for a staff software engineer in real-time software to join our controls software 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.
The controls software team creates the embedded software that performs this real-time control for our quantum computers. In this role, you will work to expand the real-time control scheduling and control flow of our quantum control system. This role requires working closely with research physicists, hardware engineers, and other software teams at all stages of the software lifecycle.
Responsibilities:
- Lead, design, architect, develop, test, deploy, maintain and improve major software components, systems, and features for real-time device control
- Write high-quality, well-tested, production-ready code in Rust and other languages
- Assist in the career development of others, providing mentorship on advanced technical issues
- Collaborate with an experienced interdisciplinary staff
- Approach problems pragmatically
- Help us continuously improve how we do thingThe ideal candidate will have experience leading or contributing to multiple simultaneous product development efforts, projects, and initiatives. You’ll be able to balance technical expertise and savvy with strong business judgment to make great technology choices. You’ll strive for simplicity and demonstrate significant creativity and incisive judgment.
You’d be a good fit with:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Math, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience
- 10+ years experience in software development in one or more general purpose programming languages (Python, JavaScript, …), with expert knowledge of at least one systems programming language (e.g. C, C++, Rust)
- Excellent engineering skills in a few key areas:
- Real-time software development
- FPGA codesign for real-time scheduling
- Classical computing architectures, including superscalar processing
- Experience writing embedded systems software
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A love of collaborating in an interdisciplinary environment
You’d be a great fit with:
- Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Math, Computer Science, or related technical field
- Proficiency or exposure to higher level programming, such as Python development and CI/CD pipelines
- Experience analyzing software determinism through various hardware components and creating deterministic real-time software
- Knowledge of Yocto, Buildroot, or other embedded packaging systems
- Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other hardware test equipment
Location:
IonQ’s quantum control teams are based in our bright, airy offices in College Park, MD and Seattle, WA. While we can be flexible for the right candidate, colocation supports our highly collaborative and interactive work with the hardware teams building the world’s best quantum computers.
Our HQ is located in College Park, Maryland and we are a 15 minute metro ride from Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in the Seattle, Washington area. Depending on the position, you may be required to be located in Washington DC, Seattle, Washington or the Toronto, Canada area. However, IonQ will be expanding into additional geographies both domestically and internationally so don’t let this stop you from applying.
At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all, while at the same time 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 in which any individual 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, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, and military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
The base pay component of the offer will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. The total compensation package may include other elements dependent on the position and level. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. Beyond base pay, total compensation includes a range of health insurance options and other benefits which can be found on our site at ionq.co/jobs. Some of our benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, home internet stipend, a generous PTO plan, parental/adoption leave, 401K, dental and vision plans and paid holidays.
If you are interested in being a part of this team and mission, we encourage you to apply.
