IonQ
quantum computing
SeniorOpticalEngineer
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Senior Optical Engineer at IonQ. Skills: Optical Engineering, Photonics, Quantum Optics, Quantum Information Science, Bell State Analyzers, Quantum Tomography. designing, prototyping, and validating advanced optical systems for quantum networking. development of high-fidelity Bell State Analyzers and quantum state tomography modules”
What You'll Achieve.
lead IonQ on its journey to build the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex problems; achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense
Industry & Context.
creative problem solver; analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex electro-optical systems
Up to 25%, domestic travel, 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., 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.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
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), analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex electro-optical systems in a fast-paced environment
Nice to Have
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
What You'll Do.
and validating advanced optical systems for quantum networking
development of high-fidelity Bell State Analyzers and quantum state tomography modules
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
Execute rigorous experimental validation of optical components
including polarization extinction ratios
and interferometric stability
Optimize optical alignment procedures to transition laboratory-grade setups into robust
field-deployable quantum networking equipment
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Collaborate with the systems engineering team to integrate optical networking hardware into the broader IonQ quantum computer architecture
Full Job Description
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
Applying for this Senior Optical Engineer role?
Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.
How to Apply on Greenhouse
- Create a Greenhouse profile before applying — it saves time across multiple applications.
- Upload your resume as a PDF; the parser handles it better than Word.
- Answer all knockout questions carefully — wrong answers auto-reject before a human sees you.
- Enable email notifications to track application status in real time.
ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED
What do employees actually say about IonQ?
Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.