Senior Staff Hardware Design Engineer - Quantum Control

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 Hardware Design Engineer to join the Quantum Control System team. As a Hardware Design 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 part of a cross-functional group developing the custom electronics and embedded systems that enable quantum control operations - including ion trapping and shuttling, qubit preparation, gate execution, and readout. You will also help design and scale the control hardware needed to support multi-system integration and quantum networking, laying the foundation for scalable, distributed quantum computing architectures.


Responsibilities: 

• Architect, design, and bring up custom mixed-signal electronics and high-speed digital systems used in quantum control and readout
• Design and implement ultra-high-precision clock distribution and synchronization systems to coordinate distributed control hardware at nanosecond (or better) precision
• Develop FPGA-based designs for control systems - including real-time signal processing, high-precision timing, and waveform generation
• Collaborate with physicists, firmware developers, and system engineers to define requirements and integrate hardware into experimental and production systems
  
  

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 18+ years of experience with complex electronics design for high-speed digital, mixed signal applications
• Experience with high-speed, high-resolution waveform generation using FPGAs, DACs, and clocking subsystems

You’d be a great fit with: 

• MS or PhD or equivalent industry experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Experience designing systems with Zynq Ultrascale+ SoCs or similar platforms
• Proven track record of end-to-end ownership of complex board designs - from schematic capture and layout through bring-up and integrated test
• Schematic capture with Altium Designer (preferred), OrCAD, or Allegro
• Perform logic design and verification using Vivado (Verilog or VHDL, IP Catalog, and Block Design)
• Detailed knowledge of FPGA based signal processing (DDC/DUC, DDS, FIR/IIR filters and PID control)
• Deep knowledge of high-precision clock systems, jitter reduction, and timing synchronization across multiple subsystems
• Knowledge of RF/Microwave/Optics (amplifiers, splitters/combiners, photodetectors)
• Professional programming experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) in a general-purpose language such as Python, Go, Rust, or C++
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills. Ability to communicate effectively with cross functional teams

Location: This role is based onsite at our headquarters in College Park, MD or at our Bothell, Washington facility.
Travel: Occasional, 2-4 times per year
Job ID:  1032

The approximate base salary range for this position is $141,670 - $185,482. 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 o