Physicist - Resilience Engineering & Operations

Physicist - Resilience Engineering & Operations

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, represents the latest in a line of cutting‑edge systems that help customers and partners including Amazon Web Services and AstraZeneca achieve significant 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. IonQ is headquartered in College Park, Maryland and 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 and we also support networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space.

Location: This role is based out of our Boulder, CO office. We offer a hybrid work model, allowing for remote work a few days per week.
Travel: 10‑20% domestic & international.
Job : 1522

The Role: We’re looking for a Senior System Operations Engineer for our bleeding‑edge quantum computers based on trapped‑ion technology. You’ll be part of a cross‑functional team whose mission is to operate and improve IonQ’s industry‑leading quantum computers. In the first three months on the job, you’ll learn how to maintain our quantum computers’ hardware and software. Recent graduates in physics and related fields are encouraged to apply;

we will train you in quantum computer maintenance and operation.

• Participate in follow‑the‑sun on‑call rotations to keep our systems running at peak performance.
• Ensure high uptime and performance of our commercial and development quantum computers through alert response, monitoring, and engineering of state‑of‑the‑art quantum systems.
• Conduct regular and emergency hardware maintenance.
• Work collaboratively with other System Operators on improvements and processes and practices to make operating quantum systems easier and more efficient.
• Communicate with customers to coordinate access and inform on system status.
• Remotely interface with quantum systems to impact performance using documented procedures.
• Interpret telemetry to aid in deeper understanding of quantum system status.
• Clearly communicate with teams working across multiple time zones.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physics, engineering, or another physical science.
• Desire and capability to work closely on a team that is distributed – excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Hands‑on experience with optical alignments, laser stabilization, and/or acousto‑optical modulators.
• A propensity for learning new things and a fascination with emerging technologies.
• Formal training or education in statistics.
• Capable of adapting for an ever‑growing and ever‑changing work environment.
• Disposition to work flexible working hours on a 24/7 on‑call shift where the rotation changes as needed.
• At least 1 year laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics.

• PhD in physics, engineering, or another physical science.
• A background in data analysis, data science, or machine learning.
• Software engineering experience.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $110,336 – $144,459. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options available through our career site.

Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(K), unlimited paid time off and paid holidays, parental and adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home‑technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.

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…