Senior Optical Research Engineer

Location: This role is based at our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.

Travel: Up to 25%, domestic

Job ID: 1608

The Role:

We are looking for a Senior Optical Research Engineer to join our Quantum Networking Group. As an Senior Optical Research 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 role, you will be responsible for designing, performing, and analyzing quantum networking experiments to help inform the development of new and novel quantum networking applications. The ideal candidate is well versed in both the theory and experimental aspects of quantum networking, and is comfortable leading projects from first principles to experimental validation.

Responsibilities:

• Design, simulate and test new and novel quantum networking applications.
• Implement automated quantum tomography protocols to characterize the fidelity of networked quantum states.
• Collaborate with the systems engineering team to translate quantum networking protocols and interconnects from the R&D stage to product.
• Execute rigorous experimental validation of quantum networking protocols, including quantum communication, transduction and linking of different qubit modalities.
• Derive system level requirements from experimental results, communicate and work with product and engineering teams to realize performance in real world systems.
• Develop quantum networking metrologies, including overall network performance as well as individual optical components.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of professional experience in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or Applied Physics with a focus on precision optical systems.
• Master’s degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., Python) and instrument control (e.g., LabView, Simulink).
• Hands-on experience with ultra-stable interferometry, fiber optics, and precision alignment of free-space optical systems.
• Willingness to lead and own complex quantum networking projects from start to finish, starting with initial concept design up to handing off to engineering/product teams.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex electro-optical systems in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong theoretical background in quantum optics and quantum information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics or Optical Engineering with a thesis focused on Quantum Optics or Quantum Information Science.
• Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, or Lumerical).
• Experience with quantum transduction or frequency conversion.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based time-tagging and coincidence counting electronics.
• Knowledge of laser frequency stabilization techniques and non-linear optics (e.g., SPDC, frequency conversion).
• PIC experience

The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.