Senior System Operations Engineer Bothell, Washington, United States

Physicist - Resilience Engineering & Operations Location: Bothell, Washington, United States (option for occasional remote work) Travel: 5% or less About IonQ: IonQ, Inc. is a world‑leading quantum platform and merchant supplier delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. Our recent IonQ Tempo platform achieved 99.99% two‑qubit gate fidelity in 2025, setting a world record, and has helped partners such as Amazon Web Services and AstraZeneca accelerate innovation. Role Overview: We’re seeking a Senior System Operations Engineer to operate and enhance our trapped‑ion quantum computers. In the first three months you’ll learn to maintain hardware and software; recent graduates in physics or related fields are encouraged to apply, as we will train you in quantum computer maintenance and operation. Responsibilities: Participate in follow‑the‑sun on‑call rotations to keep systems running at peak performance. Ensure high uptime and performance of our commercial quantum computers through alert response, monitoring, and engineering. Collaborate with other System Operators to improve processes and make operating quantum systems easier and more efficient. Communicate with customers to coordinate access and inform them on system status. Remotely interface with quantum systems to impact performance using documented procedures. Interpret telemetry to aid deeper understanding of quantum system status. Communicate clearly with teams across multiple time zones. Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physics, engineering, or another physical science. Desire and capability to work closely on a distributed team – excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset. Hands‑on experience with optical alignments, laser stabilization, and/or AOMs. A propensity for learning new things and fascination with emerging technologies. Formal training or education in statistics. Capable of adapting in an ever‑growing and ever‑changing work environment. Disposition to work flexible hours, on a 24/7 on‑call shift where the rotation changes as needed. At least 1 year laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics. Preferred Qualifications: PhD in physics, engineering, or another physical science. Background in data analysis, data science, or machine learning. Software engineering experience. Compensation: Base salary $114,750 – $150,237. Total compensation includes base pay, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO, paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home‑technology stipend. EEO Statement: 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr IonQ