Senior Optical Engineer

About IonQ:

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.

Location:

This role is based at our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.

Travel:
Up to 25%, domestic

Job

The Role:

We are looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to join our Quantum Networking Group. As an Optical 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. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, prototyping, and validating advanced optical systems for quantum networking, specifically focusing on the development of high-fidelity Bell State Analyzers and quantum state tomography modules.

The ideal candidate is a creative problem solver who thrives in navigating the intersection of classical optical engineering and experimental quantum physics.

Responsibilities:

* Design and simulate complex free-space and fiber-optic assemblies for quantum interference and entanglement distribution.

* Develop and characterize Bell State Analyzers (BSA) utilizing high-efficiency single-photon detectors and precise temporal/spatial overlap control.

* Implement automated quantum tomography protocols to characterize the fidelity of networked quantum states.

* Collaborate with the systems engineering team to integrate optical networking hardware into the broader IonQ quantum computer architecture.

* Execute rigorous experimental validation of optical components, including polarization extinction ratios, insertion losses, and interferometric stability.

* Optimize optical alignment procedures to transition laboratory-grade setups into robust, field-deployable quantum networking equipment.

Requirements:

* 5+ years of professional experience in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or Applied Physics with a focus on precision optical systems.

* Master's degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

* Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., Python) and instrument control (e.g., Lab View, Simulink).

* Hands-on experience with ultra-stable interferometry, fiber optics, and precision alignment of free-space optical systems.

* Deep understanding of photon statistics and single-photon detection technologies (SNSPDs, APDs).

* Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex electro-optical systems in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Ph.D. in Physics or Optical Engineering with a thesis focused on Quantum Optics or Quantum Information Science.

* Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, or Lumerical).

* Experience with Hong-Ou-Mandel interference, and entanglement swapping protocols.

* Familiarity with FPGA-based time-tagging and coincidence counting electronics.

* Knowledge of laser frequency stabilization techniques and non-linear optics (e.g., SPDC, frequency conversion).

* PIC experience

The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on…