Staff Electrical Engineer - Quantum Control

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 Electrical Engineer to join the Quantum Control System team. As a Staff Electrical Engineer, 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 contribute to the design and implementation of the electronics and embedded systems that enable quantum control operations - including ion trapping and shuttling, qubit preparation, gate execution, and readout. You will also support the development of scalable control architectures to enable multi-system quantum networking and distributed quantum computing. 

Responsibilities: 

• Perform circuit design, simulation, and testing of low-noise analog and mixed-signal electronics and cabling for applications such as RF waveform generation and laser intensity stabilization
• Create schematics, board layouts; generate drawings, BOMs, and documentation
• Write test procedures, perform board and system testing/debug, document test results
• Analyze existing designs for noise reduction and EMC improvements
• Collaborate with physicists, FPGA, firmware, and software engineers to define requirements and integrate hardware into experimental and production environments

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 13 - 15+ years of experience with electronics design for high-speed digital, mixed signal applications
• General knowledge of all aspects of analog/mixed-signal chain (power supplies, voltage references, amplifiers, filters, and data converters)

You’d be a great fit with: 

• MS or equivalent industry experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 15+ years of relevant experience 
• Experience designing systems with Zynq Ultrascale+ SoCs or similar platforms
• Comfortable working with ADCs, DACs, power management ICs, and high-speed digital interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, USB, LVDS)
• Schematic capture with Altium Designer (preferred), OrCAD, or Allegro
• Programming experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) in a general-purpose language such as Python, Go, Rust, or C++
• Excellent debugging and lab skills (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.)
• Perform system integration and validation across multiple hardware generations
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills. Ability to communicate effectively with cross functional teams
• Familiarity with quantum systems, quantum networking, photonic interconnects, and/or control theory
  
  

Location: This role is based onsite at our headquarters in College Park, MD or at our Bothell, Washington facility.
Travel: Occasional, 2-4 times per year
Job ID:  1031

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, just outside of 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, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. 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.

US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will 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” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls.  Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone.  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.  

US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. 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!