Staff Design Engineer - Integrated Photonics

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 Design Engineer, Integrated Photonics. In this role, 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 focus primarily on developing and utilizing software and techniques for the design, simulation, and optimization of passive and active photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for use in trapped-ion quantum computer systems. You will also have the opportunity to work with atomic physicists to innovate the trapped-ion quantum computer utilizing integrated photonics.  The design workflows and PIC-based systems you design, build, and use will help drive the overall development of a new and game-changing photonics technology to enable scalable quantum computing. 

Responsibilities:

• Design, simulate, and optimize passive and active photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for integration into trapped-ion quantum computing systems, with an emphasis on high-speed modulators and on-chip detectors
• Develop integrated photonics designs to improve design robustness to fabrication variation and to ease test and packaging.
• Build up the active PIC design workflow, optimize design workflow to minimize computational resources and speed up the PIC simulations, and maintain high-quality, scalable, well-tested scripts through architecture and code reviews
• Use device characterization data as feedback for design and fabrication to improve PIC performance
• Drive, review, and finalize device specifications in collaboration with the system team, system integrators, and product team
• Collaborate with the packaging and test team to optimize the device design based on aligned requirements 
• Deliver the layout file (.gds, .oas) for the designed optical element in the selected fabrication platform, run DRC checks, and be responsible for the component tape-out
• Identify, track, and resolve or mitigate execution roadblocks and technical risks
• Provide clear, concise communication to management and team members in different forums and for a variety of backgrounds and expertise
• Teamwork: Strong team player with the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, such as testing engineers and physicists, who depend on the PIC design results

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Ph.D. in engineering or related field/discipline
• 5+ years of experience in the hands-on design, simulation, and optimization of PIC devices, including passive components, high-speed modulators, and on-chip detectors. 
• 3+ years of programming experience in a general-purpose programming language (like Python, Matlab, etc.)
• Experience with simulation tools for designing integrated photonic devices, such as Lumerical, COMSOL, Flexcompute, or similar
• Experience with scripted mask design and layout for PICs
• Strong data processing, visualization, and organizational skills
• Familiarity with fabrication processes, design constraints, test, and packaging requirements for PICs
• Experience with optimization algorithms for automated PIC design
  
  

You’d be a great fit with:

• 7+ years of PIC design and characterization experience of on-chip passive components,  high-speed modulators, detectors, amplifiers, and lasers
• 3+ years of industry experience
• Experience working with visible-light laser sources and on-chip components
• Strong programming skills for mask layout and experimental automation software, and experience with version control systems such as git
• Experience using 3D CAD tools like Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to design components by considering the fabrication influences, such as width bias, rounded shape due to optical lithography, geometry variation because of device density, etc.
• Experience designing, building, and using optical testing infrastructure, including automated testing systems

Location: This role can work onsite or hybrid from our office in College Park, MD.  We are open to a fully remote option for the right candidate.
Travel: Less than 10%
Job ID:  1024

The approximate base salary range for this position is $123,191 - $161,289. 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, 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.

The position you are applying for may 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 status for export controls and government contracts work and/or obtaining any necessary license/confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls.  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!