Staff Software Engineer

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 Staff Embedded Software Engineer to join our controls system team. 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. 

The controls system team creates the embedded systems that perform real-time control for our quantum computers. In this role, you will work to expand the real-time control scheduling and control flow of our quantum control system. This role requires working closely with research physicists, hardware engineers, and other software teams at all stages of the software lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, design, architect, develop, test, deploy, maintain and improve major software components, systems, and features for real-time device control
• Write high-quality, well-tested, production-ready code in Rust and other languages
• Assist in the career development of others, providing mentorship on advanced technical issues
• Improve best practices and processes.
• Collaborate with an experienced interdisciplinary staff
• Approach problems pragmatically
• Help us continuously improve how we do things

The ideal candidate will have experience leading or contributing to multiple simultaneous product development efforts, projects, and initiatives. You'll be able to balance technical expertise and savvy with strong business judgment to make effective technology choices. You'll strive for simplicity and demonstrate significant creativity and incisive judgment.  

You'd be a good fit with:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience
• 8+ years of experience in software development in one or more general-purpose programming languages (Python, JavaScript, …), with expert knowledge of at least one systems programming language (e.g. C, C++, Rust) 
• Excellent engineering skills in a few key areas:
  • Real-time software development
  • FPGA codesign
  • Classical computing architectures, including superscalar processing
  • Compiler design
• Experience writing embedded systems software
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A love of collaborating in an interdisciplinary environment

You'd be a great fit with:

• Proficiency or exposure to higher-level programming, such as Python development and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience in analyzing software determinism through various hardware components and creating deterministic real-time software 
• Knowledge of Yocto, Buildroot, or other embedded packaging systems
• Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other hardware test equipment
  
  

Location: This is a hybrid role based at our office in College Park, MD or Bothell, Washington.
Travel: Up to 10%
Job ID:  1165

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   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