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 Principal Quantum Circuit Compilation & Optimization Scientist. As a Principal Scientist, 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 serve as the prominent technical authority responsible for optimizing IonQ's circuit-compilation stack to achieve peak fidelity on current ion-trap processors, maximize resource efficiency (gate count, depth, ancillae), and establish the strategic framework for fault-tolerant Quantum Error Correction (QEC). Your contributions will inform the developmental trajectories of the applications, QEC, and trap design teams, concurrently influencing industry standards.
Responsibilities:
- Architect & Evolve the Compiler – Own the end-to-end toolchain (IR, passes, scheduling, routing, EM/QEC-aware optimizations) for ion-trap systems, with an eye toward modularity for emerging qubit or modular-trap topologies.
- Quantify Value – Define OKRs that translate compilation advances into measurable gate-error and throughput gains; verify via hardware data.
- Influence Partner Roadmaps – Provide data-backed guidance that shapes feature priorities for the applications, QEC, and trap design teams, without owning their charters.
- Set the Scientific Narrative – Publish, patent, and evangelize IonQ’s compiler tech externally, positioning us one release ahead of competitors.
- Advise Executives & Board – Translate technical risk/reward into capital-allocation decisions and long-range product bets.
You’d be a good fit with:
- Master's in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.
- 18+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 15+ years experience designing complex algorithms.
- 10+ years experience in technical leadership.
- Experience with scientific applications and languages (HPC), e.g., Python.
- A skill for defining intermediate representations.
- Proficiency in quantum information science.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- A love of collaborating in an interdisciplinary environment.
You’d be a great fit with:
- PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or Quantum Information Science.
- Internationally recognized authority in quantum compilation/optimization (e.g., 80+ citations per flagship paper, leadership of a major open-source compiler, or standards authorship).
- Demonstrated business impact by shipping compilers controlling live ion-trap or comparable hardware at commercial scale.
- Track record of sparking follow-on innovations through mentorship and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Comfortable steering strategy with C-suite and Board while remaining hands-on in algorithms, math, and experiments.
- Mastery of physics-aware compiler construction (MLIR/LLVM, Rust/C++, Python) and control system integration.
- Advanced proficiency with quantum information science.
- A love of mentoring junior scientists and engineers.
Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park, MD, Bothell, WA) or fully remote in the US.
Travel: up to 10-15% travel
Job ID: 1106
The approximate base salary range for this position is $187,358 - $245,300. 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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