Senior Embedded Systems Engineer

Overview

Bothell, Washington, United States;
Vista, California, United States. IonQ is developing the world s most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are looking for a Senior Real-Time Embedded Systems Engineer to join our team. You ll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world s best quantum computers and networked systems to solve complex problems.

In this role, you will focus on the Real-Time Classical Channel, developing the embedded logic necessary to synchronize and control quantum operations at nanosecond precision. You will be responsible for the firmware and logic running on FPGAs to handle tasks such as nanosecond-level synchronization and Repeat-Until-Success feedback loops. This position provides the hardware abstraction layer that enables the quantum node s operating system to function.

• Develop, implement, and verify VHDL/Verilog firmware for FPGAs focusing on the real-time classical control channel.
• Implement nanosecond-level synchronization protocols (e.g., White Rabbit-PTP) to maintain sub-nanosecond precision across distributed hardware systems.
• Design and optimize hardware triggers for immediate photon generation and detection events.
• Engineer the logic for high-speed, low-latency Repeat-Until-Success feedback loops critical for quantum operations.
• Define and provide the hardware abstraction layer (registers, interrupts, and memory-mapped controls) consumed by higher-level QNodeOS developers.
• Collaborate with Hardware Engineers to understand board timing constraints, signal paths, and low-level control requirements.
• Own the full FPGA development lifecycle from specification and RTL design to testing, timing closure, and system integration.
• Drive technical decisions on timing architectures and control strategies for the real-time embedded system.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience (or equivalent) in high-speed, real-time embedded systems design and FPGA development.
• Deep expertise in RTL design (VHDL or Verilog) and validation for complex, high-performance FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx or Intel).
• Proven experience implementing precise timing and synchronization protocols, such as PTP, or low-jitter clock distribution networks.
• Experience designing systems with sub-microsecond or nanosecond timing constraints.
• Proficiency in simulation and synthesis tools for timing closure and formal verification.
• Strong understanding of the hardware/software interface, including memory-mapped registers, DMA, and interrupt handling.

• Experience with low-latency communication interfaces (e.g., 10G/40G Ethernet, JESD
  204B).
• Experience implementing feedback loops or active stabilization systems in real-time firmware.
• Familiarity with hardware/software co-design and embedded Linux environments.
• Knowledge of quantum computing, high-precision physics experiments, or photon detection systems.

This role will work onsite at our offices located in Bothell, WA or Vista, CA. Travel up to 10%.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $111,407 - $145,861. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

IonQ is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to equity and justice and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or veteran status. We welcome diverse voices and viewpoints.