Senior Quantum Field Engineer - Algorithm and Application Specialist

Senior Quantum Field Engineer – Algorithm and Application Specialist

Locations:
Basel, Basel‑Stadt, Switzerland;
Bothell, Washington, United States;
Boulder, Colorado, United States;
College Park, Maryland, United States;
Oxford, England, United Kingdom;
Remote (US);
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

IonQ is developing the world’s most powerful full‑stack quantum computer based on trapped‑ion technology. Our quantum computers will soon redefine industries such as medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cryptography, unlocking a new era of computing.

• Lead and shepherd client discussions, inspiring them to see how quantum applications can be implemented in their business domain.
• Work through business needs and map quantum algorithms (financial services, bioscience, chemistry and materials, optimization, generative AI, and other domains) into application code, executing proof‑of‑concepts with the IonQ Application team.
• Explain IonQ’s strategy, portfolio and answer technical questions about quantum portfolio (compute, network, security, sensing and space) and quantum applications.
• When applicable rotate into the Application team to develop new algorithmic intellectual property.
• Share client insights with Product Management and Engineering so that feedback is incorporated into products.
• Handle competitive objection handling.
• Translate business needs expressed by clients into technical work projects in collaboration with other team members.
• Create assets to explain features of our quantum applications and other IonQ quantum products.
• Move dialogues from initial ideation to focused exploration, through proof‑of‑concept and ultimately into production workflows.
• Lead client discovery sessions for business‑oriented use‑cases that uncover potential overlap with development of useful quantum algorithms.
• Partner with marketing, developer relations and business development to grow IonQ’s visibility worldwide.
• Attend industry conferences as needed.
• Travel 20 % within the US; global travel may be required for client meetings and conferences.
• Balance technical customer‑facing responsibilities with compensation acceleration for success.

• 10 + years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s or PhD focused on quantum computing, algorithms and applications, or complexity theory, with hands‑on experience using Qiskit, Cirq, Classiq or other quantum‑SDKs.
• Broad published research and other impactful contributions.

• Leadership experience on the customer side in various verticals, providing customer empathy.
• Experience in technical customer‑facing roles (Solutions Architect, Field Engineer, Technical Sales) with strong communication and persuasion skills.
• Full‑stack architecture skills across multiple technologies.
• Experience leading technical events.

This position can be worked onsite or hybrid from one of our offices, or fully remote in the US. We also consider candidates based in Europe. Travel 20 % domestically and globally.

Base salary range: $192,979 – $252,722 USD, plus bonus and equity. Additional benefit details available on our careers site.

We are committed to equity and justice, welcoming diverse voices and viewpoints. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, ancestry, physical 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 legally protected basis. IonQ is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

We invite you to apply and join our mission.