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.
The IonQ Applications team is seeking a pioneering Senior Scientist who’s committed to delivering the world’s best quantum AI solutions on the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex and impactful problems for customers around the world. As an AI technical expert and hands-on coder, you will span wide and dig deep to identify and deliver hybrid applications where IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers can unlock new value.
As a deep technical AI experton a team of PhD application scientists, you will help discover new algorithms, develop core IP, develop computational resource models, and optimize hybrid codes from quantum circuit to cloud platform. You will also work closely with product, marketing, sales, operations, and external customers/partners to brainstorm new ideas, define multi-year Quantum AI activities, and represent IonQ at high-visibility technical conferences (often all in a single day)!
Responsibilities:
- Hands-on code development of state-of-the-art hybrid AI applications optimized for CPU, GPU and IonQ trapped-ion QPU.
- Be an intrapreneur within the company to propose, shape and deliver on multi-year quantum AI activities . Actively participate in hardware/firmware/software co-designs.
- Collaborate across compiler, system, cloud and partner teams to integrate quantum algorithms within larger hybrid software platforms and workflows.
- Be a technical/domain expert in quantum AI within a team of talented PhD scientists.
- Work with customers and partners to identify and implement novel algorithms at the intersection of business and quantum impact.
- While this role is remote-friendly and highly flexible, candidates must be able to travel to global customer sites and attend virtual meetings during non-core hours—potential for onsite co-location at customer sites during key engagements.
You’d be a good fit with:
- PhD in Computer Science, Math, Physics, Electrical Engineering in relevant field or similar level of professional experience.
- 3+ years of industry experience in relevant domain.
- Update-to-date, hands-on programming skills involving training and developing enterprise-scale AI models. Highly adept at using tools of the trade such as (not limited to) git, slurm, Python, Torch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, scripting, visualization, profiling, parallel programming, etc.
- Active portfolio of high-impact scientific papers in quantum computing, AI or ML.
You’d be a great fit with:
- Hands-on experience developing and optimizing quantum algorithms using quantum SDKs such as Qiskit (preferred), CUDA-Q, Cirq, Q#, Penny Lane and Torch Quantum. Experience developing circuits for NISQ hardware is a plus.
- Track record of delivering (coding) scaled-up software from research-grade artifacts (Matlab, Julia, R, Jupyter Notebook) to beta-customer to full release.
- Industrial domain expertise in a field such as NLP, operations research, logistics, manufacturing, engineering simulations, etc.
- Success as an ideas generator and originator for cross-disciplinary projects that apply LLM, Generative AI or other foundational AI models toward impactful business problems.
Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park, MD, Bothell, WA) or fully remote in the US or Switzerland (for eligible European candidates).
The approximate base salary range for this position is $141,670 - $185,482 USD.
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!
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