Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer

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 Manufacturing Engineer specializing in New Product Introduction (NPI). As a NPI Engineer, 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 serve as a critical link between our design and production teams. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure a seamless transition from product design to full-scale manufacturing, facilitating the introduction of new products into our production environment. Your first assignment will be to provide technical guidance and support to the production implementation of our free-space optical and laser delivery subsystems in our Bothell, WA facility. This will involve working cross-functionally to improve the design from a DFM/A perspective, developing associated processes, and generating manufacturing engineering documentation. Additionally, you will work cross-functionally to optimize the mechanical stability of optical mounts, refine alignment repeatability, and improve upon build robustness for our optical subsystems. 

The ideal candidate will have deep Manufacturing Engineering experience working with precision optomechanics, free-space optical alignment, and the environmental stability requirements of high-performance laser systems.

Responsibilities:

• Own the end-to-end manufacturing transition of optical subsystems, from hands-on assembly of early prototypes to the implementation of high-yield production lines.
• Lead DFM/A efforts by partnering with design engineers during reviews to optimize component tolerances, mounting techniques, and technical data packages for repeatable assembly.
• Define, document, and implement comprehensive manufacturing (WIs, SOPs, inspection plans) and alignment processes for free-space optical systems and lead training sessions to ensure production staff successfully adopt new optomechanical processes.
• Troubleshoot optical performance issues (e.g., beam quality, pointing stability, insertion loss) during the NPI phase and implement corrective actions.
• Work with vendors and supply chain partners to ensure optomechanical components meet strict cleanliness and precision specifications.
• Design and validate custom assembly jigs and fixtures specifically for precision optomechanical components.
• Analyze and manage mechanical tolerance stacks to ensure that optical components maintain alignment through thermal cycling and transport.
• Identify "bottleneck" alignment steps in the R&D process and develop streamlined, deterministic assembly methods to reduce tact time.
• Standardize the use of low-outgassing epoxies, torque specifications, and locking mechanisms to ensure optical stability in sensitive environments.
• Apply Configuration Management best practices to hardware designs.
  
  

You’d be a good fit with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience with a proven track record of transitioning products from design to production.
• An analytical, self-driven mindset with the ability to excel in fast-paced environments and can communicate complex technical concepts across all levels of the organization.
• Strong understanding of kinematic mounts, thermal stability in optomechanics, and precision fastener requirements.
• Experience with complex optical systems, lasers, free-space optical systems and components, and vacuum systems.
• Experience transitioning low-volume R&D optical prototypes into repeatable, high-yield production modules.
• Proficiency in CAD software for designing tooling and fixtures.
• Experience developing comprehensive assembly instructions and other manufacturing documentation.
• Experience in implementation, use or configuration of PLM systems, ERP/MRP systems, and/or MES systems.
• Strong hands-on attitude and ability to spend significant time "on the floor" with the team.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Hands-on experience aligning complex free-space optical systems (mirrors, lenses, waveplates, modulators).
• Deep experience in Vacuum and/or Cryogenic systems
• General knowledge of complex optical, electrical or mechanical products and systems.
• Experience in the quantum computing industry or related high-tech fields.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly an applied ability to work well with customers, suppliers, and in a close-knit team environment.
• Ability to act independently to uncover and resolve issues associated with the development and implementation of operational programs and factories and/or supplier health development.

Location: This role will work onsite at our office located in Bothell, WA.
Travel: Up to 10% (including domestic and/or international) 
Job ID:  1316

The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. 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!