Staff Optical Engineer - Emerging Technology

We are looking for a staff-level optical engineer with experience in experimental atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics. As a member of the Engineering and Technology department of IonQ, you’ll be part of an interdisciplinary 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 advanced-level professional position at IonQ.  You will be part of a cutting-edge team developing new technologies for future generations of our quantum computers.

Responsibilities: 

• Design and tolerance analysis of optical systems used for mode matching of light to optical waveguides
• Investigation of complex and cutting-edge optical and electro-optical components used in quantum computing networks
• Investigation of fiber optics designs and implementations to identify network configurations that advance high fidelity qubit information transmission
• Work closely with project lead physicist and project manager to create and maintain engineering requirements specifications (ERS) documents.  Specifically, your job will involve translating system performance specifications into engineering and component design requirements, and to evaluate difficult trade-offs for optimization.
• Lead system validations to ensure that designs meet ERS requirements
• Lead design reviews and creation of internal documentation for updates to senior management and collaborators 
• Coordination with component vendors, materials suppliers, and cross-functional collaborators to ensure successful and validated design of new quantum optical system architectures
• Create and maintain detailed workplans for yourself and others accurately reflecting the stage of development to ensure on-time delivery
  
  

You’d be a good fit if you have: 

• MS or PhD in experimental physics, optical-engineering, or a related field, with deep knowledge of optical physics
• 5-7 years of post-graduate experience designing optical systems and waveguides in Zemax and Lumerical
• Experience in the integration of optical waveguide devices into otherwise free-space optical systems via efficient mode-matching techniques
• Experience performing tolerance analysis for free-space and waveguide optical systems
• Strong work ethic and ownership of outcomes
• Experience with lasers (from UV to IR)
  
  

You’d be a great fit if in addition to the above you have: 

• 8+ years experience in applying research to relevant industry problems
• Experience working with nonlinear-optical systems or quantum optics systems
• Strong laboratory skills and personal commitment to laboratory validation of design
• Experience aligning and characterizing diffraction limited optical systems
• Experience working with ion traps, ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic systems
• Experience designing and running complex AMO systems and experiments
• Experience with electro-optic and acousto-optic modulators
• Engineering or systems engineering experience in transforming a complex physical system into a product

Location: This position is located in our bright, airy headquarters in College Park, MD. 

The approximate base salary range for this position is $141,670 - $185,482.