Senior Software Network Engineer - Quantum Networking

Senior Software Engineer - Quantum Networking

Bothell, Washington, United States;
Vista, California, United States

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 Senior Network Orchestration Engineer to join our cross‑functional team. In this role, you will be the primary architect of the high‑level service plane, bridging the gap between quantum hardware and classical infrastructure.

You will tackle the unique challenge of managing a distributed quantum networking and sensing solution, applying your expertise in high‑scale systems to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world’s best quantum networks.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement the high‑level service plane for quantum network operations.
• Develop and manage Saga orchestration workflows to ensure consistent distributed transactions across complex, multi‑domain network environments.
• Build and maintain interfaces using standard protocols to integrate various network devices.
• Identify resource bottlenecks and implement streamlined software improvements to replace inefficient legacy middle‑layers.
• Design and implement frameworks that allow for robust state management and job orchestration over distributed resources.
• Define and enforce network Authentication, Authorization, and Accountability (AAA) best practices, including Role‑Based Access Control (RBAC).
• Support the implementation of secure communication protocols, such as TLS 1.3 and SSH, across the network control plane.

You’d be a good fit with:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in senior software engineering roles focused on large‑scale distributed systems, banking backends, or cloud infrastructure.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Proven track record of implementing distributed transaction patterns (Sagas) and managing complex state in a production environment.
• Proficiency in Python for orchestration and automation frameworks, and C/C++. Go, or Rust for performance‑critical processes.
• Experience with Linux/Unix systems, containerization, and secure remote management.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Deep familiarity with Mutual TLS (mTLS) and certificate‑based authentication (X.509)
• Experience building experiment‑supporting frameworks with automated rollback and configuration recovery.
• Strong background in system‑wide audit logging and tamper‑evident data structures.

Location: Vista (CA), Bothell (WA)
Travel: Less than 10%
Job : 1269

The approximate base salary range for this position is $128,119 – $167,740.

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  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.

Our US 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, just outside of 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, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you…