Staff Systems Integration Engineer - Quantum Communication at IonQ

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 will work onsite at our office located in Bothell, WA.
Travel: Up to 20% domestic and/or international travel
Job ID: 1521

The Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled Staff Level Systems Integration Engineer to join the Quantum Networking team at IonQ. As a Staff Level Systems Integration 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 position, you will be instrumental in driving the fusion of theoretical research and applied engineering, working closely with a team of physicists and engineers to transition research and development into highly functional systems. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in cross-disciplinary system integration and test, with a strong background in hardware-focused software engineering and a proven track record of innovative, research-driven project completion. The candidate will also be experienced in systems engineering and well versed in the verification and validation process for engineering programs. This role will significantly focus on blending advanced research with practical systems engineering to push the boundaries of quantum networking technology.

Responsibilities:

Collaborating with physicists to translate research findings into initial performance requirements and system specifications.
Analyzing and aligning system requirements with scientific understandings and project objectives to develop verification and validation test plans.
Overseeing subsystem integration and conducting system-level testing, incorporating research findings to refine protocols and report on test results.
Developing and managing key performance parameters, providing documentation and engineering support based on empirical research or test results.
Developing and leading data-driven trade studies for design and material selection, leveraging academic research.
Work hands-on in a hardware-in-loop environment to validate hardware functionality, performance, and reliability.
Design, deploy, and manage automated testing and deployment processes.
Develop Graphical User Interfaces for advanced control and troubleshooting of hardware.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field, designing complex systems with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration.
A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience is required in a development role. This experience must include complex hardware and software integration that led to a system achieving production readiness.
Demonstrated experience in bringing systems through a complete development cycle, increasing the technological readiness levels.
Experience with hardware-focused software development that includes hardware test scripting, monitoring of telemetry, and instrumentation for remote operation.
Familiarity with embedded software programming, along with FPGA development.

Preferred Qualifications:

M.S. in Engineering or related field.
Extensive experience in system design and assembly, particularly within high-precision technological fields.
Proven ability to synthesize scientific research into actionable engineering tasks and projects.
Advanced proficiency in Python, Java, MATLAB, or similar programming languages used in scientific research and engineering development.
Excellent communication and data visualization skills, capable of bridging the gap between ideation and practical system engineering.
Proficiency in technical performance tracking and familiarity with engineering tool suites and model-based engineering practices.
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) certification or similar.
Experienced with hardware performance monitoring and analysis, along with telemetry streaming platforms like Grafana.
Experienced with programming and automation of instrumentation and control systems.
Experienced with development of Graphical User Interfaces for advanced control and troubleshooting of hardware.
Experienced with embedded software design and programming, along with FPGA development.
Solid understanding of configuration management and source code management systems.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $151,756 - $198,688. 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 401K, 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!