Senior Optical Engineer - Detection & Readout

Senior Staff Optical Engineer – Detection & Readout

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.

We are looking for a Senior Staff Optical Engineer for our Optical and RF Controls team. As a member of the Engineering organization, you will be part of a cross‑functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most complex problems.

In this role, you will collaborate with a highly interdisciplinary team of atomic physicists, optical engineers, opto‑mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, cryo‑system engineers, thermal engineers, and program managers to influence, design, and build our upcoming products. You will contribute across the entire product lifecycle from conceptual design through first engineering units. You’ll develop requirements, perform trade studies, and design our current and next‑generation hardware for our quantum computers.

• Work in a small cross‑functional project team to design, develop, and build optical imaging and illumination systems
• Conceptualize and analyze complex opto‑mechanical assemblies, create theoretical models, conduct empirical confirmation, and perform computer‑assisted simulations
• Work with optical and engineering team to integrate the laser and imaging hardware into the quantum computer
• Analyze and test product designs, including development of DOEs, data collection, and data analysis
• Provide technical support to vendors by generating and/or reviewing bills of materials, building documentation, assembly and test fixtures, test procedures, and driving anomalies and non‑conformances to closure
• Design fixtures, alignment tools, and processes to assemble products

• B.S. in Optical Engineering, Optical Design, or another relevant degree
• 15+ years of experience designing optical systems
• 15+ years of experience developing overall product architecture
• A strong optical background with fluency in Zemax/Code V (or equivalent) and a solid understanding of dimensioning/tolerancing principles
• Experience developing specifications for optical/or optomechanical/optoelectronic assemblies
• Demonstrated experience in developing systems and processes for optical alignment and metrology for optical elements and systems (preferred)
• Knowledge of precision optical/mechanical alignment tools and techniques
• Able to contribute to product development road‑maps and long‑term product vision
• Good knowledge of fixture design, machine shop capabilities, and manufacturing processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills are required
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, analytic, detail‑oriented, possesses quantitative analysis skills, is self‑motivated, a great team member, and can proactively communicate with peers at all levels
• Familiar with all phases of the product development lifecycle including design verification, design validation, and design transfer
• Familiar with Product Lifecycle Management documentation control systems
• Able to coordinate activities within organizations to drive deliverables
• Excellent organizational skills; able to manage multiple fast‑paced projects simultaneously
• Excellent documentation and communication skills
• Ability to travel up to 20%

• M.S. / Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Laser Physics, or another relevant discipline
• 10+ years of industry experience developing optical products
• Experience with performing thermal analysis, shock, and vibrational analysis to validate the structural integrity of the unit under test
• Knowledge and experience with complex optical systems, lasers, free‑space optical systems, and components
• Experience/success in interacting with suppliers directly, collaborating with supply chain sourcing, fostering partnerships for critical development and risk reduction
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to…