Physicist - Resilience Engineering & System Operations

Physicist - Resilience Engineering & System Operations

Bothell, Washington, United States;
Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States;
College Park, Maryland, 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’re looking for a Physicist for our Resilience Engineering & System Operations team for our bleeding‑edge quantum computers that are 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 be learning 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. You will work onsite at our Chattanooga office.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure high uptime and performance of our commercial quantum computers, through maintenance, monitoring, and engineering of state‑of‑the‑art quantum computers
• Ensure a great customer experience that you’ll always be improving
• Automate capabilities to optimize system performance
• Work collaboratively with physicists and engineers to build tools and technologies that improve the performance of present and future commercial systems
• Participate in follow‑the‑sun on‑call rotations to keep our systems running at peak performance

You’d be a good fit with:

• 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 AOMs
• A propensity for learning new things and fascination with emerging technologies
• A love of physics and quantum physics in particular
• 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
• 3+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 1+ year laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics

You’d be a great fit with:

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

We encourage you to apply if you think you’d be great at this role!

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Chattanooga, TN, Bothell, WA or College Park, MD
Travel: Very occasional, as needed.
Job : 1070

The approximate base salary range for this position is $93,150 – $121,958. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

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 401(k), 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…