Senior Optical Engineer

About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world's leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ's newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.


Location: This role is based at our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.
Travel: Up to 25%, domestic Job ID: 1608

The Role:

We are looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to join our Quantum Networking Group. As an Optical 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 be responsible for designing, prototyping, and validating advanced optical systems for quantum networking, specifically focusing on the development of high-fidelity Bell State Analyzers and quantum state tomography modules. The ideal candidate is a creative problem solver who thrives in navigating the intersection of classical optical engineering and experimental quantum physics.

Responsibilities :

• Design and simulate complex free-space and fiber-optic assemblies for quantum interference and entanglement distribution.
• Develop and characterize Bell State Analyzers (BSA) utilizing high-efficiency single-photon detectors and precise temporal/spatial overlap control.
• Implement automated quantum tomography protocols to characterize the fidelity of networked quantum states.
• Collaborate with the systems engineering team to integrate optical networking hardware into the broader IonQ quantum computer architecture.
• Execute rigorous experimental validation of optical components, including polarization extinction ratios, insertion losses, and interferometric stability.
• Optimize optical alignment procedures to transition laboratory-grade setups into robust, field-deployable quantum networking equipment.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of professional experience in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or Applied Physics with a focus on precision optical systems.
• Master's degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., Python) and instrument control (e.g., LabView, Simulink).
• Hands-on experience with ultra-stable interferometry, fiber optics, and precision alignment of free-space optical systems.
• Deep understanding of photon statistics and single-photon detection technologies (SNSPDs, APDs).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex electro-optical systems in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics or Optical Engineering with a thesis focused on Quantum Optics or Quantum Information Science.
• Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, or Lumerical).
• Experience with Hong-Ou-Mandel interference, and entanglement swapping protocols.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based time-tagging and coincidence counting electronics.
• Knowledge of laser frequency stabilization techniques and non-linear optics (e.g., SPDC, frequency conversion).
• PIC experience

The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

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.


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!