Senior Optical Engineer - Optical and RF Controls
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 Senior Optical Engineer for our optical and laser systems team. As a member of the engineering organization, 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 collaborate with a highly interdisciplinary team of atomic physicists, optical engineers, opto-mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, cryo-system engineers, thermal engineers, and program managers to influence, design, and build our upcoming products. You will contribute across the entire product lifecycle from conceptual design through first engineering units. You’ll develop requirements, perform trade studies, and design our current and next-generation hardware for our quantum computers.
Responsibilities:
- Work closely with optical and opto-mechanical engineers to develop new optical subsystems and improve the performance of current subsystems
- Define, design and develop optical assemblies that take advantage of cutting-edge optical components
- Work with opto-mechanical engineers to iteratively develop fixtures and processes for precision alignment and assembly.
- Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis
- Work with production engineers to develop manufacturing processes
- Assist production engineering in developing subsystem Verification and Validation testing.
You’d be a good fit with:
- B.S. in Optical Engineering, Optical Design, or another relevant degree with 3+ years experience or advanced degree
- 6+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrated skills using optical design software tools such as Zemax, Code V and/or FRED
- Good understanding of single mode and multi-mode fiber optics
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in laser optics and micro optics
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in tolerancing analysis, Monte Carlo methods and stray light analysis
- Demonstrated knowledge and creative abilities for novel design and specification of optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
- Demonstrated understanding of optical engineering fundamentals and principles, specifically with a focus towards production
- Demonstrated strong understanding of optical design, component specification, development, testing, and design for manufacturability
You’d be a great fit with:
- 5+ years of experience with optical or photonics designs with industry R&D experience
- Experience in SolidWorks
- Experience with cryogenic systems and optical elements in cryogenic environments
- Experience with high precision motion devices (piezos, flexure stages, etc.)
Location: This role will work onsite at our office located in Bothell, WA.
Travel: Up to 20% travel, domestic and international, is possible
Job ID: 1096
The approximate base salary range for this position is $128,119 - $167,740. 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!
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IonQ develops general-purpose quantum computers. Founded in 2015, IonQ is headquartered in College Park, Maryland.
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