Staff Scientist - Quantum ; Defense

IonQ, Inc . [NYSE: IONQ] is the world's leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ's newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense.

In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance .

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.

New Mexico (Remote), USA

10% to customer sites

1946

We are seeking two Staff Scientists
- Quantum Applications (Defense) to be founding members of our newly established Customer Solutions team. As a Staff Scientist
- Quantum Applications (Defense) you'll be part of a cross-functional team to enable customers to solve the world's most complex problems using the world's best quantum computers.

You will work closely with customers across academia, enterprise, government and national labs to create quantum solutions that are tailored to the missions of the defense sector. As a technical leader, you will originate and deliver on new and surprising quantum applications, serving as a role model and go-to expert for a wide range of stakeholders. This is a hands-on, externally-facing position that puts the customer first.

Classical and quantum coding evaluations will be a part of the interview process. US persons only.

• Develop impactful hybrid quantum applications that accelerate the adoption of quantum computing for defense-related missions. Partner directly with clients to identify, define, and solve problems using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Lead integration of quantum algorithms into realistic workflows by translating problem statements into quantum code, solve using quantum computers, and re-integrate into internal, open-source and COTS software tools
• Proactively evolve algorithmic approach with the IonQ hardware roadmap, including the transition from NISQ to FTQC solutions.
• Benchmark quantum algorithm performance against SOTA methods. Map frontier lines / crossover points to communicate with customers.
• Develop portfolio of foundational IP and high-impact-factor peer-reviewed publications; represent IonQ externally with customer/clients and at conferences.

• Doctorate degree in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics or similar STEM field plus 4+ years of professional work experience developing quantum applications that can be applied to defense-related use cases e.g. optimization, AIML, Chem Mat Bio
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications. Contributions to open-source or production-grade codebases a plus
• Experience leading Federal, Defense Tech and Industrial R&D engagements
• Experience tuning quantum algorithms and benchmarking across different quantum modalities, as well as classical SOTA. Expertise in resource estimation and calculating cross-over points.
• Mastery of Python and Qiskit or similar quantum SDK. Working knowledge of C++ or other low-level language
• Evidence of putting customers and mission first, and exceeding expectations
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills
• Must reside in New Mexico

• Experience working in the quantum solutions industry e.g. solutions group at quantum computing company or industrial company with a quantum department
• Experience developing software using agentic-AI e.g. Codex, Opus or similar AI assistants including developing rapid prototypes to iterate with customers
• Experience developing well-tuned hybrid quantum algorithms that leverage the strengths of CPU, QPU and QPU

$160,000 - $200,000 USD

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant…