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 salary range for this position is $115,692 - $145,861.
We are looking for an experienced AMO Theorist or Scientist and 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. As an AMO Scientist, you will join the Simulation and Analysis team in developing and analyzing detailed models of the ion-light interactions in our QPU. In this role you will help to define the technical requirements for our system and help guide our technology choices. This role will specifically focus on details of the complex atomic level structure of the ions used in trapped ion quantum computing.
Responsibilities:
- Develop detailed numerical and analytic multi-level atomic models of multi-ion systems driven by laser interactions.
- Analyze numeric and analytic results to determine engineering requirements to reach algorithmic performance goals.
- Prepare and disseminate reports to inform engineering decision making.
- Stay current with the latest research and advancements in quantum control techniques and contribute to the continuous improvement of our quantum computing platforms.
- Contribute to developing institutional knowledge and training resources for AMO physics.
You’d be a good fit with:
- PhD in Quantum Physics, Engineering or a related field
- Proficiency in scientific Python
- Demonstrated experience in the modeling of complex quantum systems
- Specialization in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics, many-body quantum systems, open quantum systems, or similar
You’d be a great fit with:
- 2+ years experience in professional or academic experience listed above
- Prior experience in experimental quantum computing or related fields
- Experience with trapped ion systems
- Familiarity with industry-standard software development practices and version control systems
- Experience with programming in modern C++ or Rust
- Experience working with Mathematica or other computer algebra system
- Experience in a large corporate or volunteer organization
Location:
This position is located in our newest facility in Bothell, WA. We will consider hybrid or remote options for the right candidate.
The base pay component of the offer will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base pay, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component, as well as a range of benefit options found on our site at ionq.co/jobs. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO plus paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance!
IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland which is only a 15-minute metro ride from Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in the Seattle, Washington area. Depending on the position, you may be required to be located near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, or Toronto. However, IonQ will be expanding 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.
If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!
Top Skills
What the Team is Saying
What We Do
Quantum computers are a revolutionizing technology — they have the potential to transform business, society, and the planet for the better, and IonQ is at the forefront of this revolution.
After over 25 years of academic research, IonQ was founded in 2015 by Chris Monroe and Jungsang Kim with $2 million in seed funding from New Enterprise Associates, a license to core technology from the University of Maryland and Duke University, and the goal of taking trapped ion quantum computing out of the lab and into the market. In the following three years, we raised an additional $20 million from GV, Amazon Web Services, and NEA, and built two of the world’s most accurate quantum computers.
In 2019, we raised another $55 million in a round led by Samsung and Mubadala, and announced partnerships with Microsoft and Amazon Web Services to make our quantum computers available via the cloud.
In 2020 and 2021, we built additional generations of high performance quantum hardware, added Google Cloud Marketplace to our cloud partner roster and announced a series of collaborations and business partnerships with leading academic and commercial institutions.
On October 1st, 2021, IonQ began trading as IONQ on the New York Stock Exchange, making it the world's first public pure-play quantum computing company. We remain hard at work realizing the world-changing potential of quantum computing.
Why Work With Us
We’re growing a passionate, diverse team of collaborative, creative people. We believe in pursuing innovative, challenging work with integrity, alongside team members we can learn from and grow with.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Our employees live across the globe, and are only expected to spend as much time on site as they need and/or want during the week. Nearly half of our employees are fully remote and live in several countries including Switzerland, Canada, and the US.
