Staff Software Engineer, Coherent Control Gate Operations
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 Software Engineer to architect and develop our control and metrology systems for our next-generation quantum computer systems. With a focus on industry best practices and scalability. This role is for you if you enjoy hands-on, fast, highly creative work supporting completely new hardware systems. You will need to code software for high precision control of quantum environments that include photonic devices, creative feedback loops and robotic actuators to enable computation. These are critical deliverables to enable our vision of Quantum advantage.
Responsibilities:
- Independently architect and write code to control our next generation systems and metrology hardware.
- Lead development of new algorithms and data collection infrastructure.
- Lead definition of both physical and firmware architectures for scalability and reliability.
- Establish best practices in code development process, QA and end user documentation.
- Collaborate with an experienced interdisciplinary staff across a multi-disciplinary organization.
- Act as an interface between opto-mechanical teams and software teams to help define capabilities and requirements.
The ideal candidate will have experience leading multiple simultaneous product development efforts, projects, and initiatives. You’ll be able to balance technical expertise with strong business judgment to make great technology choices. You’ll strive for simplicity and demonstrate significant creativity and incisive judgment.
You’d be a good fit with:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience—non-traditional backgrounds are welcome here.
- 7+ years experience in software development in one or more general-purpose programming languages (like Python, or C++, with experience in hardware/software interface)
- 5+ years of firmware development experience with a focus on both realtime and linux systems.
- Experienced in writing Drivers/API’s for instrumentation access and control
- Experience in requirements gathering and definition
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Broad understanding in OS architecture options and implications on your code development.
- Experience in interteam and interdisciplinary communication
You’d be a great fit with:
- Understanding of control systems and implementation of digital control loops.
- Expertise with distributed systems and their architecture
- Experience with technical leadership and team growth
- Experience with one or more of the following:
- Experience working with FPGA or FPGA-based control systems.
- Provisioning on cloud-based systems and databases.
- A background in robotics
- Experience developing hardware abstraction libraries.
- Familiarity with digital signal processing
- Strong skills and practices around DevOps
Location: This role can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices in Bothell, WA, or College Park, MD, or can be remote for the right candidate.
Travel: Less than 10% (2-3 times a year to Seattle, WA or College Park, MD)
The approximate base salary range for this position is $141,670 - $185,482.
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 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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Join IonQ as a Staff Software Engineer in our Coherent Control Gate Operations team, where you'll be at the forefront of quantum computing technology! We’re not just building a computer; we’re redefining what’s possible with trapped-ion technology. Your role will involve architecting and developing innovative control and metrology systems for our next-gen quantum computers. If you love getting your hands dirty creatively and technically while supporting cutting-edge hardware, this is the perfect opportunity for you. You’ll be coding software to maintain high precision control over quantum environments that involve photonic devices, robotic actuators, and more. We are looking for someone who can independently lead the development of new algorithms and data collection infrastructure, establish best practices in the code development process, and collaborate across a multi-disciplinary team. Your background, whether it be in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a completely non-traditional path, is valuable to us. With at least 7 years of software development experience and a knack for technical leadership, you’ll thrive in a role that balances technical expertise with creativity. If you’re passionate about bending the rules of classical physics and want to help us push forward the boundaries of this revolutionary technology, we would love to see you apply for this exciting opportunity!
IonQ develops general-purpose quantum computers. Founded in 2015, IonQ is headquartered in College Park, Maryland.
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