Staff Design Engineer, Metalenses

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 Engineer, Metalens Design. 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 in-house design pipelines to produce detailed and accurate simulations of optical metasurfaces, including as components of complex multi-element systems. You will instruct collaborators on fabricating metasurfaces for use in trapped ion quantum computing systems. You will also have the opportunity to work with a cross-functional team of engineers and physicists to innovate the design of cutting-edge trapped-ion quantum computing modules and components, through your expertise on the opportunities and limitations of optical metasurface technology. The design workflows and simulation pipelines you build and use will help drive the overall development of a new and game-changing photonics technology to enable scalable quantum computing. 

Responsibilities:

• Build up the micro-optics and metalens design and simulation workflow, across multiple photonics and optics simulation tools, to ensure high accuracy, efficient, and detailed modelling.
• Model and optimize the design of meta-atom libraries using techniques such as finite-element analysis, FDTD, RCWA, etc.
• Utilize the simulation pipeline and ray-tracing tools to design and optimize metalens and micro-optic components
• Perform automated sensitivity and tolerance analysis on optical systems composed of meta-optic components
• Maintain high-quality, scalable, well-tested scripts and models through architecture and code reviews.
• Use device characterization data as feedback for design and fabrication to improve optics performance and simulation accuracy.
• Drive, review, and finalize device specifications in collaboration with the system team, system integrators, and product team
• Drive research efforts in the modeling and integration of metalenses in complex systems, in collaboration with cross-functional collaborators.
• 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 design results

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Ph.D. in optical engineering, electrical engineering or related field/discipline
• 8+ years of professional relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years of experience in the hands-on design, simulation, and optimization of optical metalenses
• 3+ years of programming experience in a general-purpose programming language (like Python, Matlab, etc.)
• Experience with simulation tools for photonic devices, such as Lumerical, COMSOL, Flexcompute, or similar
• Experience with raytracing tools and optical design tools, such as Zemax, Code V or similar
• Strong data processing, visualization, and organizational skills
• Familiarity with fabrication processes, design constraints, test, and packaging requirements for metalenses

You’d be a great fit with:

• 7+ years of optical design and simulation experience of metalenses and microoptics
• 3+ years of industry experience
• 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 automation of optical design tools, such as with Zemax or Code V APIs or macro languages
• Experience with the design and development of complex optical and photonic systems, such as those composed of metalenses, microoptics and conventional lenses.
• Experience designing, building, and using optical testing infrastructure, including automated testing systems

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park, MD, Bothell, WA) or fully remote in the US.
Travel: Less than 10%
Job ID:  1092

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!