Quantum Network Support Engineer

The Role

IonQ builds quantum network data centers as a distinct product line, providing infrastructure that enables researchers and customers to run distributed quantum experiments. We're looking for a Quantum Network Support Engineer to join our team supporting these networks once they're built and handed off.

This role can be hands-on. You'll work with fiber optics, photon detectors, interferometers, and other quantum network hardware in both lab and datacenter environments. You'll also work directly with customers, helping translate their experimental needs into working network topologies. Candidates with backgrounds in photonics, fiber optics, optical engineering, or physics are encouraged to apply. The role normally involves about 25% travel to customer sites, including international travel. Commissioning phases may require longer continuous periods on site

Responsibilities

• Maintain quantum network hardware, including fiber interconnects, passive optical components, and control electronics in datacenter rack environments.
• Assist in commissioning new quantum network deployments at customer sites, including extended on-site assignments as networks come online.
• Characterize network performance after changes using instruments such as OTDRs, power meters, polarimeters, and photon detectors.
• Respond to support tickets to troubleshoot network faults: trace logical and physical signal paths, isolate root causes, resolve issues or implement workarounds, and communicate changes to affected customers.
• Consult with researchers and customers on network topology design: translating experimental requirements into loss-budgeted fiber path plans that account for distance, polarization, and timing constraints.
• Document network configurations, characterization data, and procedures in a clear and accessible way.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, or a related science.
• Hands-on comfort with fiber optic handling: connectors, cleaning, and slack management.
• Familiarity with basic networking concepts: IP addressing, subnets, interfaces, LAN/WAN.
• Strong written and verbal communication. You'll support users ranging from graduate students to principal investigators across technical and non-technical contexts.
• A systematic troubleshooting mindset. Able to isolate a problem methodically and comfortable saying "I don't know, let me find out."
• Desire to learn and improve through training and self-study.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel to customer sites, including extended periods on site during commissioning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical test equipment: OTDR, optical power meters, fiber scopes, and visual fault locators.
• Hands-on lab experience in quantum or classical optics.
• Working knowledge of quantum networking concepts.
• Experience with Python or other scripting languages.
• A background in data analysis or data science.
• Background in atomic or optical physics. Experience with laser stabilization, AOMs, or vacuum systems is a strong plus.

The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

Pay and benefits

If this role has a commission structure, the compensation range below just reflects the base compensation range.

Wage Transparency

$124,000—$155,000 USD

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!