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Physicist - Resilience Engineering & System Operations (College Park, Maryland)

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’re looking for a Physicist for our Resilience Engineering & System Operations team for our bleeding edge quantum computers that are based on trapped ion technology. You’ll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to operate and improve IonQ’s industry-leading quantum computers. In the first three months on the job, you’d be learning how to maintain our quantum computers’ hardware and software. Recent graduates in physics and related fields are encouraged to apply; we will train you in quantum computer maintenance and operation! You will work onsite at our College Park, MD office.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure high uptime and performance of our commercial quantum computers, through maintenance, monitoring, and engineering of state-of-the-art quantum computers
  • Ensure a great customer experience that you’ll always be improving
  • Automate capabilities to optimize system performance
  • Work collaboratively with physicists and engineers to build tools and technologies that improve the performance of present and future commercial systems
  • Participate in follow-the-sun on-call rotations to keep our systems running at peak performance

You’d be a good fit with:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physics, engineering, or another physical science
  • Desire and capability to work closely on a team that is distributed - excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset
  • Hands on experience with optical alignments, laser stabilization, and/or AOMs
  • A propensity for learning new things and fascination with emerging technologies
  • A love of physics and quantum physics in particular
  • Formal training or education in statistics
  • Capable of adapting for an ever-growing and ever-changing work environment
  • Disposition to work flexible working hours, on a 24/7 oncall shift where the rotation changes as needed
  • 3+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 1+ year laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics

You’d be a great fit with:

  • PhD in physics, engineering, or another physical science
  • Deep experience with Javascript or Python
  • A background in data analysis, data science, or machine learning
  • Software Engineering experience

We encourage you to apply if you think you’d be great at this role!

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in College Park, Maryland
Travel: Very occasional, as needed.
Job ID:
1070

The approximate base salary range for this position is $93,150 - $121,958. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs.  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance! 


IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!
 
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!


 

Average salary estimate

$107554 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$93150K
$121958K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

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IonQ develops general-purpose quantum computers. Founded in 2015, IonQ is headquartered in College Park, Maryland.

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Full-time, onsite
DATE POSTED
October 27, 2025
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