Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design

Responsibilities

• Develop novel control schemes for fast, robust, and low-excitation ion transport.
• Design and optimize control waveforms to perform operations such as ion loading, transport, qubit routing, and gate operations.
• Simulate the physics of ion chains in the RF Paul traps at the heart of our systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams comprising physicists, engineers, and researchers to integrate ion transport into larger experimental setups or commercial products. Effectively communicate technical concepts, design rationale, and experimental results to stakeholders through reports, presentations, and documentation.
• Collaborate with quantum architects to co-design transport operations, novel trap designs, and quantum error correction (QEC) primitives for future commercial systems.

You'd be a good fit with

• PhD in atomic physics, quantum information, or a related field with experience operating or supporting experimental hardware or equivalent experience.
• Background in designing or operating surface electrode RF Paul traps.
• Proficiency in numerical physics simulations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

You'd be a great fit with:

• Strong understanding of fundamental principles governing ion trap operation, including electrostatics, quantum mechanics, and ion dynamics.
• Proficiency with scientific programming and numerical optimization.
• Experience with transport or waveform design in surface-electrode RF Paul traps.
• Experience using a compiled programming language (Rust, C, C++, etc.) for scientific computing.
• Location: This role will work onsite in Boulder, CO
• Travel: Up to 10% (domestic and international)
• Job ID: 1422

Pay and benefits

The approximate base salary range for this position is $110,336 - $144,459. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.

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.

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!