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Breakthrough Energy Ventures Portfolio Company Career Opportunities

Manager, Detection & Readout

IonQ

IonQ

Bothell, WA, USA
USD 147,336-192,901 / year + Equity
Posted on May 13, 2025

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 highly motivated and experienced team Manager to join the Optical and RF Control team within the Quantum Computing division at IonQ. This role is focused on managing a dynamic, cross functional team of physicists and engineers whose mission is to design, build and test the Detection and Readout systems for our quantum computers. Your teams’ job will be to deliver the optical systems that are responsible for the collection and delivery of photons used for monitoring system operation and performance. This role will also be expected to contribute to optical design efforts for the team and to ensure that IonQ’s Detection and Readout systems operate at the cutting edge of modern optical technology.

Responsibilities:

  • Developing a team culture of design for manufacturability, assembly, and serviceability
  • Building, mentoring and continuously developing a highly productive interdisciplinary team
  • Owning the full life-cycle development of complete system solutions
  • Delivery of hardware system designs necessary to meet prototype and product design requirements, this includes managing a team through hardware integration processes
  • Continuously improving designs alongside commercially available technology, and interfacing with external vendors to determine optimal and reliable component solutions
  • Multi-year roadmap to increase the fidelity and speed of our quantum gates in line with product requirements
  • Working across teams to prioritize and design de-risking paths for different design proposals
  • Staying abreast of the latest advancements in relevant areas of technology to the team
  • Performing vendor and supplier management for lasers, optical components, RF components, complex subsystems, and OEMs


You’d be a good fit with:

  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Engineering, preference will go to optical engineering.
  • 2+ years of team management experience, with a focus on complex and multidisciplinary projects.
  • 8+ years of hands-on design experience with optical design software such as Zemax, Code V or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in production level tolerance analysis
  • Experience designing sensitive imaging systems, preferably large FOV systems.
  • Demonstrated experience developing, integrating or testing photonic systems for commercial products
  • Experience in product development through a robust product development life cycle (experience through the full life cycle is preferred)
  • Cross company project coordination and planning experience
  • Developing (where necessary) and implementing design and manufacturing best practices
  • Demonstrated cross-functional technical communication skills
  • Demonstrated experience in 3 or more of the following technical areas:
    • Laser Engineering
    • Optical Engineering
    • Optical Modulation techniques and devices
    • Electrical Engineering
    • System Control Theory
    • Signal Processing

You’d be a great fit with:

  • PhD. in physics or engineering, preference will go to optical engineering
  • 3+ years of team management experience, with a focus on complex and multidisciplinary projects.
  • Experience of full product development through a robust product development life cycle
  • Developing and implementing design and manufacturing best practices
  • Demonstrated experience in 5 or more of the following technical areas:
    • AMO physics
    • Laser Engineering
    • Optical Engineering
    • Optical Modulation techniques and devices
    • Electrical Engineering
    • System Control Theory
    • Signal Processing


Location:
This role will work onsite at our office located in Bothell, WA.
Travel: Up to 20%
Job ID:
1034

The approximate base salary range for this position is $147,336 - $192,901. 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, a quick 15-minute metro from 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, or Toronto. 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.

The position you are applying for may 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 status for export controls and government contracts work and/or obtaining any necessary license/confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. 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!