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 $175,954 - $230,369.
We are looking for a staff software engineer in real-time software to join our controls software team. 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.
The controls software team creates the embedded software that performs this real-time control for our quantum computers. In this role, you will work to expand the real-time control scheduling and control flow of our quantum control system. This role requires working closely with research physicists, hardware engineers, and other software teams at all stages of the software lifecycle.
Responsibilities:
- Lead, design, architect, develop, test, deploy, maintain and improve major software components, systems, and features for real-time device control
- Write high-quality, well-tested, production-ready code in Rust and other languages
- Assist in the career development of others, providing mentorship on advanced technical issues
- Collaborate with an experienced interdisciplinary staff
- Approach problems pragmatically
- Help us continuously improve how we do thingThe ideal candidate will have experience leading or contributing to multiple simultaneous product development efforts, projects, and initiatives. You’ll be able to balance technical expertise and savvy 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 Engineering, Physics, Math, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience
- 10+ years experience in software development in one or more general purpose programming languages (Python, JavaScript, …), with expert knowledge of at least one systems programming language (e.g. C, C++, Rust)
- Excellent engineering skills in a few key areas:
- Real-time software development
- FPGA codesign for real-time scheduling
- Classical computing architectures, including superscalar processing
- Experience writing embedded systems software
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A love of collaborating in an interdisciplinary environment
You’d be a great fit with:
- Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Math, Computer Science, or related technical field
- Proficiency or exposure to higher level programming, such as Python development and CI/CD pipelines
- Experience analyzing software determinism through various hardware components and creating deterministic real-time software
- Knowledge of Yocto, Buildroot, or other embedded packaging systems
- Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other hardware test equipment
Location:
IonQ’s quantum control teams are based in our bright, airy offices in College Park, MD and Seattle, WA. While we can be flexible for the right candidate, colocation supports our highly collaborative and interactive work with the hardware teams building the world’s best quantum computers.
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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IonQ Offices
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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.
