Staff Software Engineer (SDK), Cloud Platform

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 don’t just build the world’s best quantum computers–we want them to be usable by everyone, everywhere. We are looking for a Staff Software Engineer to join a cross-functional team building the IonQ Cloud Platform, which connects our customers to our quantum computers via APIs, SDKs, tools, and partner clouds like AWS, GCP, and Azure. You’ll lead development of our quantum software development kits like Qiskit, Cirq, and more, in collaboration with our product team, applications team, systems team, and scientists to build the best quantum developer experience for our customers and partners.

Responsibilities:

• Reporting to the Senior Manager of Cloud Engineering, this role involves close collaboration with Product and Application teams to ensure the development of high-quality, user-friendly, and comprehensively documented SDKs that fulfill specified requirements.
• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of robust, high-quality SDK features capabilities enabling quantum novices and experts alike to solve real-world problems with quantum computers
• Mentor senior and junior engineers on the team
• Participate in on-call rotations

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent training, fellowship, or work experience
• 8+  years of professional experience in software engineering, working in a team environment.
• 5+ years of experience in leading the design, development, and maintenance of robust, high-quality SDKs
• Proficiency in Python
• Experience in mentoring and guiding engineers of all levels to ensure a high bar for code quality and performance
• Experience in driving the team's long-term vision and architecture, shaping roadmaps, and providing technical leadership
• Experience in collaborating with product and other engineering teams to ensure alignment and effective communication.
• Experience in identifying and solving complex technical challenges related to SDK development, performance, and integration
• Demonstrated experience in prioritizing user-friendliness and seamless integration of SDKs for developer adoption
• Demonstrated ability to remain current with industry trends, upstream software modifications, and advancements within the SDK ecosystem
• Experience in creating and maintaining clear and comprehensive documentation

You’d be a great fit with:

• 10+ years of professional software experience
• 7+ years in leading the design, development, and maintenance of robust, high-quality SDKs
• Experience with system-level programming languages like C++ or Rust 
• Proficiency in quantum computing SDKs (Qiskit, Pennylane, CirQ)
• Some experience with quantum computing or quantum physics

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: About once per quarter
Job ID:  1105

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