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. 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 are looking for a Senior Staff Optical Engineer for our Optical and RF Controls team. As a member of the Engineering organization, 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 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.

Responsibilities: 

• 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 & 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

You’d be a good fit with:

• 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/optomechanical/optoelectronic assemblies
• Demonstrated experience in developing systems and processes for optical alignment and metrology for optical elements and optical 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 communications 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, able to 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% of the time

You’d be a great fit with: 

• M.S. / PhD. in Optical Engineering, Laser physics, or another relevant discipline
• 10+ years of industry experience developing optical products 
• In addition to all of the above, you have 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, collaboration with supply chain sourcing, fostering partnerships for critical development and risk reduction
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with customers, suppliers, and in a team environment

Location: This role will work onsite at our office located in Bothell, WA.
Travel: up to 20%
Job ID:  1172

The approximate base salary range for this position is $169,437 - $221,837. 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 ionq.co/jobs.  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 401K, 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 Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!
 
At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
 
We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions.  Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls.  Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone.  Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.  

US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!