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 Systems Engineer. As a Staff Systems Engineer, 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.
IonQ is known for innovative technologies that solve problems for a wide range of industries, and we need a new problem-solver to take the reins. We’re seeking an accomplished and visionary Staff Systems Engineer (Principal Systems Engineer) with Product Development Lifecycle knowledge and technical expertise to implement strategies, evaluate products, and build upon an infrastructure that supports the changing needs of our customers. In this role, you will support design, development, and integration of complex computer systems for every stage of the life cycle. The ideal candidate will be able to reliably deliver mission-critical technical data packages with an eye toward reliability, scalability, modularity, quality, accessibility, optimization, and security.
Objectives of this role
- Expected to function independently: identifying project needs, creating and managing schedule, budget and resources with periodic status check-ins to management.
- Enable and support individual computer systems and infrastructure under development, including concept, design, integration, verification & validation.
- Provide technical leadership, strategic direction, and innovative solutions for projects.
- Drive excellence in system design, integration, and performance while ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.
- Implement and maintain strategies for backup, security, and redundancy.
- Identify potential issues and implement solutions proactively.
- Craft custom technical data packages for gated reviews.
- Enable faster and smarter business processes and develop meaningful analytics.
- Engage regularly with upper management, reporting project status, activities, and achievements.
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the Systems design, development, and implementation of opto-mechanical systems and applications, from concept to final product.
- Define the system architecture, performance requirements, and technical specifications in collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Provide technical expertise and guidance to the engineering team, ensuring the successful execution of projects.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement by identifying emerging technologies, trends, and methodologies in the field.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to evaluate and select components, subsystems, and manufacturing processes.
- Establish and enforce design and development standards, processes, and best practices to ensure the highest quality deliverables.
- Perform risk assessments, identify potential issues, and develop mitigation strategies.
- Lead and participate in design reviews, technical meetings, and customer engagements, effectively communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of learning, growth, and innovation within the team.
Required skills and qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field. A graduate degree. is preferred.
- 10-15 years performing in a systems engineering role for complex systems.
- Participating in and performing product lifecycle management gated reviews: Concept, SRR, PDR, CDR, ORR.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with experience in project management, application design and integration, and/or system operations.
- Expertise in creating, analyzing, and documenting large complex systems.
- Experience creating requirement specifications, CONOPS, use cases, system models, and test plans.
- Knowledge of Configuration Management (CM) best practices and standard version-control for hardware and software.
- Extensive experience as a Systems Engineer, with a proven track record in leading and delivering complex projects.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues.
- Experience in system-level simulations and analysis using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar software.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence teams, stakeholders, and customers.
Desired skills and qualifications
- Prior experience in a senior or principal engineering role focused on systems within the optics, photonics, or precision engineering industry.
- Expertise in manufacturing processes, including machining, assembly, and alignment.
- Familiarity with opto-electronic systems, such as laser systems, imaging systems, or spectroscopy systems.
- Experience with Requirements management tools such as Jama, DOORS
- Experience with MBSE modeling tools such as Enterprise Architect, Cameo
- Previous experience with applying product-specific techniques and equipment for system characterization and validation.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, including resource allocation, scheduling, and budgeting.
- Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with external partners and vendors.
- Experience working in an R&D or product development environment, preferably in the field of optics, photonics, or precision engineering.
Location: This position can be remote or hybrid from one of our offices in Bothell, WA or College Park, MD.
The approximate base salary range for this position is $133,046 - $174,192.
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.
