Senior Staff Scientist - Quantum

Description 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.

About Vector Atomic:

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills.

If you're excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we'd love to hear from you.

We're hiring driven Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physicists to play a key role in building ultra-precise quantum devices for autonomous navigation, high-bandwidth satellite communications, and geophysical exploration. This hands-on position offers the opportunity to contribute to all stages of development, from concept to deployment.

Location:

This role is based onsite at our office in Pleasanton, CA (Bay Area)
Requirements What You'll Do:

Prototype and design optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems

Sensor integration, bring-up, and optimization; data analysis

Analyze and simulate of atomic sensor performance and environmental sensitivities

Deploy and demonstrate prototype sensors into real-world environments

What We're Looking For:

PhD in atomic, optical, quantum physics, or 12+ years of related academic or industry experience

To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.

Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.

Hands-on expertise with several of the following:

Atomic clocks and inertial sensors

Atomic ovens, beams, and/or vapor cells

Laser cooling and trapping

Precision spectroscopy

Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems

Narrow linewidth lasers and laser frequency stabilization

Optics, fiber optics, electro/acousto-optics, detectors

Analog, digital, and RF electronics

Control systems and instrumentation

Mechanical design

Benefits

Vector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:

Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Employer 401(k) contributions
20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range The approximate base salary range for this…