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 help build the next generation of our systems control platform that runs on our world-class quantum computers. Never worked in quantum computing before? It’s much like a system for a robot, managing feedback loops at various time scales between sensors and actuators to create a precisely tuned environment where we can perform high-fidelity quantum computations. In this role, you’ll help develop the hardware abstraction layer and non-real time devices control logic that helps keep the computer in the optimal quantum state.
Responsibilities:
- Lead, design, architect, develop, test, deploy, maintain and improve major software components, systems, and features; being a small team, we count on each other to run with projects independently
- Ensure the quality of our system through design and code reviews
- 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 things
The 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 Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience -- untraditional backgrounds are welcome here
- 7+ years experience in software development in one or more general-purpose programming languages (like Java, Python, Go, Rust, or C/C++)
- Excellent engineering skills in a few key areas:
- Multithreaded programming and execution
- Distributed systems
- Linux based systems
- Interfacing with hardware via Ethernet, USB, serial, etc.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A love of collaborating in an interdisciplinary environment
- Empathy and customer focus: you'll work closely with our internal team of physicists who depend on our software every day
You’d be a great fit with:
- Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science or Engineering
- Deep expertise in Go and/or Rust and embedded systems development
- A background in robotics, embedded systems or OS device drivers development
- Experience with programmatic device control (SCPI, MODBUS, etc. over serial, USB, TCP)
- Experience developing hardware abstraction libraries
Location: This role is based out of our office in Bothell, WA, with the option to work remotely several days a week at your discretion.
The approximate base salary range for this position is $175,954 - $230,369.
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.
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
Hybrid Workspace
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.
