IonQ is developing the worlds 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.

The IonQ Applications team is seeking a pioneering Senior Staff Scientist who’s committed to delivering the world’s best quantum AI solutions on the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex and impactful problems for customers around the world. As an AI thought leader and expert doer, you will span wide and dig deep to identify, champion and deliver hybrid applications where IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers can unlock new value.

As a role model for a team of PhD application scientists, you will help discover new algorithms, develop core IP, develop computational resource models, and optimize hybrid codes from quantum circuit to cloud platform. You will also work closely with product, marketing, sales, operations, and external customers/partners to brainstorm new ideas, define multi-year Quantum AI roadmaps, and represent IonQ at high-visibility conferences (often all in a single day)!

Responsibilities:

Lead hands-on development of state-of-the-art hybrid AI applications optimized for CPU, GPU and IonQ trapped-ion QPU.
Be an intrapreneur within the company to shape, champion and deliver on a multi-year quantum AI roadmap. Influence hardware/firmware/software co-design.
Collaborate across compiler, system, cloud and partner teams to integrate quantum algorithms within larger hybrid software platforms and workflows.
Be a go-to technical leader and decision-maker for a team of talented PhD scientists
Grow IonQ’s global footprint by identifying problems of business interest to new clients in global markets and fostering customer relationships.
While this role is remote-friendly and highly flexible, candidates must be able to travel to global customer sites and attend virtual meetings during non-core hours—potential for onsite co-location at customer sites during key engagements.

You’d be a good fit with:

PhD in Computer Science, Math, Physics, Electrical Engineering in relevant field or similar level of professional experience
10+ years of industry experience in relevant domain
Update-to-date, hands-on programming skills involving training and developing enterprise-scale AI models. Highly adept at using tools of the trade such as (not limited to) git, slurm, Python, Torch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, scripting, visualization, profiling, parallel programming, etc.
Active portfolio of high-impact scientific papers in quantum computing, AI or ML.

You’d be a great fit with:

Hands-on experience developing and optimizing quantum algorithms using quantum SDKs such as Qiskit (preferred), CUDA-Q, Cirq, Q#, Penny Lane and Torch Quantum. Experience developing circuits for NISQ hardware is a plus.
Track record of scaling up software from research-grade artifacts (Matlab, Julia, R, Jupyter Notebook) to beta-customer to full release.
Industrial domain expertise in a field such as NLP, operations research, logistics, manufacturing, engineering simulations, etc.
Success as an originator and team leader for cross-disciplinary projects that apply LLM, Generative AI or other foundational AI models toward impactful business problems.

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park, MD, Bothell, WA) or fully remote in the US or Switzerland (for eligible European candidates).

The approximate base salary range for this position is $162,920 - $213,304 USD.

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 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!

IonQs HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, a quick 15-minute metro from 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, or Toronto. 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.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!