Staff Physicist - Trapped Ion Testbeds

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 Physicist to develop and test our next generation of trapped ion testbed systems. As a Staff Physicist, 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 design and implement trapped ion systems to test prototype peripheral equipment for use in our research and production systems. This could include but is not limited to analytical and numerical modeling of qubit gate error sources, direct setup of experimental equipment including a variety of lasers and vacuum pumps, and software development for prototype control systems. This role would emphasize hands-on design, implementation, and experimentation. To this end you will work closely with a small team as well as collaborate across many other engineering disciplines to determine system needs of future systems and how to meet them.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct trapped ion experiments using lasers, dc and rf electronics, and motion control software
• Build the tools and processes and documentation to expedite validation and verification of current and future products
• Contribute to the system design, modeling, assembly, and characterization of a trapped ion quantum computer
• Guide product development towards achievable improvements
• Present proposed strategies both internally and externally
• Stay up to date on the most current research in the fields of quantum computing, ion trapping, and UHV technologies

You’d be a good fit with: 

• PhD degree in, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• 5+ years hands on industry (or post-doc) experience  in Quantum Computing or AMO physics, or similar
• Experience with programming in Python
  
  

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Experience with Artiq software design and development
• Strong optics background, familiarity with light delivery and collection techniques
• Experience with operation and functionality of a variety of vacuum and cryogenic technologies
• Experience with spectroscopy techniques such as raman or auger spectroscopy
• Background in trapped ion quantum computing
• Familiar with Solidworks and PDM
• Significant experience building up experimental physics systems
• Experience teaching or mentoring
• Experience with RF electronics design, filtering and loss modelling

Location: This role will work onsite at our office located in Bothell, WA.
Travel: Occasional, up to 10%
Job ID:  1055

The approximate base salary range for this position is $128,119 - $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, 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!