Physicist, System Operations

Senior Physicist, System Operations – IonQ

Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing using world‑leading trapped‑ion technology. In this role, you will be responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving our trapped‑ion quantum computers, contributing to the team’s mission of keeping IonQ’s quantum systems running reliably and effectively.

Day‑to‑day operation, monitoring, maintenance, and optimisation of our quantum computing systems. You will improve uptime, strengthen operational practices, and deepen understanding of hardware behaviour through data analysis and hands‑on system work, supporting the successful delivery of reliable system performance across commercial and development environments.

• Participate in follow‑the‑sun on‑call rotations to help keep systems running at peak performance
• Build and maintain observability and automation to support high uptime across commercial and development quantum computers
• Carry out regular and emergency hardware maintenance on trapped‑ion quantum systems
• Interpret telemetry data to diagnose system status and improve understanding of hardware behaviour
• Collaborate across teams and time zones, including coordinating with customers on system access and status updates

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in physics, engineering, or another physical science
• Hands‑on laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics, ideally including optical bench setups, precision alignment, laser frequency stabilisation, and optical modulators
• Strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work effectively in a distributed team
• Flexibility to work changing hours as part of a 24/7 on‑call rotation, alongside a strong willingness to learn and adapt
• Experience with statistics, telemetry or data analysis, and ideally programming in Rust or Python, software engineering, or RF/analog/digital electronics in precision control systems

We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.