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-level optical engineer with experience in experimental atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics. As a member of the Engineering and Technology department of IonQ, you’ll be part of an interdisciplinary 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.
This is an advanced-level professional position at IonQ. You will be part of a cutting-edge team developing new technologies for future generations of our quantum computers.
Responsibilities:
- Design and tolerance analysis of optical systems used for mode matching of light to optical waveguides
- Investigation of complex and cutting-edge optical and electro-optical components used in quantum computing networks
- Investigation of fiber optics designs and implementations to identify network configurations that advance high fidelity qubit information transmission
- Work closely with project lead physicist and project manager to create and maintain engineering requirements specifications (ERS) documents. Specifically, your job will involve translating system performance specifications into engineering and component design requirements, and to evaluate difficult trade-offs for optimization.
- Lead system validations to ensure that designs meet ERS requirements
- Lead design reviews and creation of internal documentation for updates to senior management and collaborators
- Coordination with component vendors, materials suppliers, and cross-functional collaborators to ensure successful and validated design of new quantum optical system architectures
- Create and maintain detailed workplans for yourself and others accurately reflecting the stage of development to ensure on-time delivery
You’d be a good fit if you have:
- MS or PhD in experimental physics, optical-engineering, or a related field, with deep knowledge of optical physics
- 5-7 years of post-graduate experience designing optical systems and waveguides in Zemax and Lumerical
- Experience in the integration of optical waveguide devices into otherwise free-space optical systems via efficient mode-matching techniques
- Experience performing tolerance analysis for free-space and waveguide optical systems
- Strong work ethic and ownership of outcomes
- Experience with lasers (from UV to IR)
You’d be a great fit if in addition to the above you have:
- 8+ years experience in applying research to relevant industry problems
- Experience working with nonlinear-optical systems or quantum optics systems
- Strong laboratory skills and personal commitment to laboratory validation of design
- Experience aligning and characterizing diffraction limited optical systems
- Experience working with ion traps, ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic systems
- Experience designing and running complex AMO systems and experiments
- Experience with electro-optic and acousto-optic modulators
- Engineering or systems engineering experience in transforming a complex physical system into a product
Location: This position is located in our bright, airy headquarters in College Park, MD.
The approximate base salary range for this position is $141,670 - $185,482.
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.
