Staff Engineer - R&D Roadmapping

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution. 

We are looking for a Staff Engineer - R&D Roadmapping.  As a Staff Engineer, you’ll be part of a cross-functional Research and Development 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.  This is an opportunity to help shape IonQ’s long-term future technology and quantum-computer architecture.  We are looking for someone with broad and deep experience in the physics and engineering of atom-based quantum systems who is a big-picture and creative thinker.

In this role, you will work with the Roadmapping and Integrated Photonics team within IonQ’s R&D Division to explore technology and architecture aimed at enabling future and more powerful quantum computer systems.  You will lead and contribute technically to cross-functional brainstorming sessions to identify and explore solutions to outstanding system performance, scalability, maintainability, and manufacturability challenges.  You will perform both high-level and detailed quantitative analyses (e.g., design analysis cycles) to help downselect technology and architecture that has potential for high impact and success in order to inform and cultivate IonQ’s technology roadmap.  Your analyses will also help to drive future technology and architecture requirements.

Responsibilities: 

• Work closely with the R&D Roadmapping team and lead inter-team and cross-functional discussions to identify high impact areas for, and approaches to, future quantum computer technology development
• Perform rough order-of-magnitude (ROM) and detailed quantitative analyses to drive team and cross-company alignment on the most promising and impactful new technical directions to pursue for IonQ’s future quantum computer systems
• Document and present analyses and conclusions to the R&D Division, as well as more widely across IonQ’s technical and leadership teams
• Explore and help develop internal (cross-team) and external collaborations to execute on IonQ’s technical roadmap
• Help define and cultivate IonQ’s technical roadmap

You’d be a good fit with: 

• A PhD in Physics, Quantum Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience performing systems analyses for complex systems in a research and development environment
• Deep expertise in the theory and/or practice of quantum information processing  (computing, sensing, networking) with atomic, molecular, optical (AMO) systems
• Strong quantitative analysis skills, including mathematical programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, Mathematica, or similar)
• Strong technical communication, writing, and presentational skills

You’d be a great fit with: 

• 3+ years of quantum industry experience
• Working knowledge of quantum error correction
• Experience planning and leading agenda-driven meetings and technical brainstorming sessions
• Experience working on and developing technical roadmaps

Location:

This role can be located, in person or hybrid, at our offices in Bothell, Washington or Toronto, Canada. We are open to considering a fully remote option for the right candidate.