Senior Staff Software Engineer - Quantum Networking

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 Staff Software Engineer to be the technical lead of the Quantum Networking Software team. Come be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to build IonQ’s quantum network control plane from the ground up! Prior experience in quantum networking is a plus, but not required; even though the network itself is quantum, your software will be orchestrating classical devices via serial and TCP/IP interfaces.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture and design of our quantum networking control plane
• Provide technical expertise in building robust, well-engineered, tested software solutions
• Effectively self-manage projects, priorities, deadlines, and deliverables
• Identify, track and mitigate execution roadblocks and technical risks
• Mentor more junior engineers and team members with different technical backgrounds in your area of expertise
• Listen and learn from team members with different areas of expertise and experiences
• Collaborate with product managers, customers, peers (both functional and cross-functional), industry professionals, and external partners to develop a world-class quantum networking control stack
  
  

You’d be a good fit with:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related field
• 13+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 8+ years programming experience in a general-purpose systems language like Go, Rust, or C/C++
• 3+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting distributed systems with storage  (e.g., filesystems, database storage engines, or block storage) and networking (e.g., TCP/IP, routing, network topologies and hardware) stacks
• Experience leading networking development initiatives in cloud networking, SDN, or network design and architecture (e.g., enterprise data center or WAN)
• Experience developing developer tools and/or interfaces
• Experience building software and interfaces for custom hardware
  
  

You’d be a great fit with:

• MS or PhD or equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field
• 12+ years programming experience
• 3+ years experience working in networking control software
• Experience with kubernetes or other container orchestration frameworks
• Experience at a network equipment manufacturer or network operator
• Experience in working with technical experts outside of traditional software engineering, particularly electrical engineers and physicists
• Experience in quantum networking
  
  

Location: This role will work onsite at our office located in Bothell, WA.
Travel: Occasional travel, 1 to 4 times per year.
Job ID: 1077

The approximate base salary range for this position is $194,852 - $255,112. 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 int