Staff Applied Scientist - Global R&D

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 Applied Scientist with a strong background in experimental physics and professional software engineering. As a Staff Applied Scientist, 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 apply your deep scientific expertise and advanced software engineering skills to build scalable, reliable, and researcher-friendly infrastructure that empowers our scientists to accelerate R&D in quantum networking, computing, and sensing. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our lab software architecture, driving best practices, and mentoring a talented team to deliver innovative solutions at the intersection of physics and advanced computing.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain the research and development (R&D) software used by our scientists, ensuring its stability and performance. Lead the design, implementation, and management of our backend, frontend and cloud infrastructure for R&D data acquisition.  Design, build, and maintain the continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to ensure quality and rapid, reliable deployments.

Design and implement robust systems for the automated calibration and bring-up of lab equipment. Serve as the primary reviewer for user-contributed code, providing constructive feedback and guidance on code cleanliness, architecture, and best practices.  Mentor engineers and scientists, fostering their growth and skill development.

Interface with other IonQ software teams to ensure alignment and integration across systems.  Proactively identify opportunities to make R&D software more accessible, scalable, and self-service for scientists. You'd be a good fit with: PhD in Physics or a closely related field (AMO, Solid State, Quantum Science, or similar). 3+ years of post-PhD experience building production software in a professional software engineering environment.

Strong proficiency in Python and one or more systems programming languages (e.g., C++, Rust, Go). Experience designing, building, and maintaining CI/CD pipelines. Experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and modern DevOps practices. Experience with database design and management. Strong background working in or alongside experimental R&D environments.

You'd be a great fit with: 10+ years of combined experience across scientific research and professional software engineering. Experience developing software for hardware control, automation, or scientific data acquisition. Demonstrated experience mentoring and providing technical leadership. Experience collaborating on full-stack applications with modern frontend technologies.

Familiarity with quantum hardware platforms or complex experimental systems. Location: Boston, MA / Remote with monthly travel to BostonTravel: Monthly travel to Boston if remoteJob ID: 1345 The approximate base salary range for this position is $145,920.00 - $191,047.00. 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!  

IonQ is a leading quantum computing company that specializes in developing quantum computers based on trapped-ion technology. Founded in 2015, IonQ's innovative approach to quantum computing has positioned it as a key player in the industry. By harnessing the power of quantum mechanics, IonQ is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in computing, with applications ranging from optimization and machine learning to cryptography and material science.