Staff Physicist - System 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.
The salary range for this position is $162,920 - $213,304.
We are looking for a Staff Physicist with experience in experimental AMO physics. As a member of the systems operations team, you will be working directly with our state-of-the-art quantum computers and lead the system operations team in performing on-going maintenance, performance tuning, and upgrades on our product quantum computers all over the world. You’ll travel to locations like Basel, Switzerland, and Seattle, WA while being located near our College Park, MD office. You will also work cross-functionally with the Systems Engineering team to identify performance improvement opportunities. In this role you will be able to participate in making quantum science and our cutting-edge trapped-ion quantum computers available to customers, enabling them to solve the world's hardest problems.
Responsibilities:
- Lead planned and unplanned maintenance on production quantum computers
- Travel between multiple sites to lead and facilitate planned and unplanned maintenance
- Provide 3rd level support to System Operations team
- Provide operational feedback to the system design, modeling, assembly, and characterization of a trapped ion quantum computer
- Measure and analyze data on the performance of a trapped ion quantum computer
- Closely collaborate with engineers and physicists to develop techniques to numerically model, understand and continually improve quantum computer performance.
- Mentor operators and other engineers and scientists
You’d be a good fit with:
- PhD in experimental physics or related field, with deep knowledge of atomic and optical physics
- 5+ years experience in applying research to relevant industry problems
- Experience designing and running complex AMO systems and experiments
- Demonstrated experimental experience with two or more of the following specialities: atomic physics systems, diffraction limited optical systems, lasers (from UV to IR), quantum information science, quantum sensors, atomic clocks, and vacuum systems
You’d be a great fit with:
- 7+ years experience in applying research to relevant industry problems
- Experience with trapped ion quantum computing
- Experience working with ion traps, ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic systems
- Experience aligning and characterizing diffraction limited optical systems
- Experience with Python programming for data capture and data analysis
- Engineering or systems engineering experience in transforming a complex physical system into a product.
This position will be based in our company headquarters, located in the Discovery Park area of College Park, Maryland. We are a five-minute walk from the Metro.
Our HQ is located in College Park, Maryland and we are 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 in Washington DC, Seattle, Washington or the Toronto, Canada area. However, IonQ will be expanding into additional geographies both domestically and internationally so don’t let this stop you from applying.
At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all, while at the same time 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 in which any individual 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, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, and military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
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. The total compensation package may include other elements dependent on the position and level. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. Beyond base pay, total compensation includes a range of health insurance options and other benefits which can be found on our site at ionq.co/jobs. Some of our benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, home internet stipend, a generous PTO plan, parental/adoption leave, 401K, dental and vision plans and paid holidays.
If you are interested in being a part of this team and mission, we encourage you to apply.