Senior Staff Physicist, QPU Testing

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. 

The mission of the QPU Testing team is to improve quantum computer performance through validation of QPU (quantum processing unit) designs and verification of individual QPUs produced by the manufacturing team. We own the creation and execution of test plans that we develop with stakeholders across the Quantum Computing organization. We are looking for a Staff Physicist to join the QPU Testing team as our Scientific Validation lead. In this role, you will ensure our testing accurately captures performance characteristics which are important to the Science team. You will also serve as a trusted internal authority on physics-related test validity, rigor, and interpretation.

You will help to turn scientific questions and risk areas into concrete, executable test plans, including testing with and without ions, then communicate results, interpretation, and actionable feedback to stakeholders. This role is central to maintaining a trusted testing roadmap and ensuring tight feedback between development and testing.

Responsibilities:

• Drive creation and evolution of validation test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria, aligned to science priorities.
• Translate scientific requirements into practical, executable test coverage and readiness standards for QPU testing platforms.
• Provide physics triage for complex, ambiguous system issues, defining next diagnostics and escalation paths.
• Execute and validate testing campaigns, including hands-on operation and troubleshooting of a trapped-ion system.
• Communicate results and recommendations clearly across scientific and cross-functional stakeholders.

You’d be a good fit with: 

• PhD in experimental atomic/AMO physics (or closely related field) and 5+ years of industry experience post-PhD.
• Hands-on experience operating a trapped-ion experiment (minimum requirement).
• Demonstrated ability to independently define next steps, prioritize work, and execute with minimal supervision.
• Strong experimental fundamentals (optics/lasers, vacuum, control systems) and comfort debugging complex experimental systems.
• Ability to translate scientific goals into test plans and acceptance criteria, and to communicate results clearly to both scientific and cross-functional stakeholders.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Deep trapped-ion background (e.g., PhD research focused on trapped-ion quantum computing and/or extensive trapped-ion apparatus experience).
• Track record owning end-to-end validation strategy (metrics to procedures to execution to reporting) for complex platforms.
• Experience working in highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams and influencing testing priorities across org boundaries.
• Strong Python-based experiment control and/or analysis workflows.

Location: This role is based onsite at our headquarters in College Park, MD.
Travel: 10%
Job ID: 1393

The approximate base salary range for this position is $145,920- $191,047. 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. How