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Breakthrough Energy Ventures Portfolio Company Career Opportunities

Staff Optomechanical Engineer - Optical and RF Controls

IonQ

IonQ

Other Engineering
Bothell, WA, USA
USD 147,336-192,901 / year + Equity
Posted on Aug 14, 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 Staff Optomechanical Engineer for our optical and laser systems team. As a member of the engineering organization, 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 collaborate with a highly interdisciplinary team of atomic physicists, optical and optomechanical engineers, electrical engineers, thermal and vacuum engineers and program managers to help influence, design, and build our upcoming products. You will have the opportunity to contribute across the entire product lifecycle from conceptual design through first engineering units and transfer to manufacturing. You must excel in a high-energy, focused environment, and have a commitment to high-quality prototypes and concepts, and a demonstrated record of developing, creating, and innovative engineering solutions. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required as well as a commitment to high product quality.


Responsibilities:

  • Work in a small, cross-functional project team to design, develop and build Optical and Laser systems hardware for electro-opto-mechanical assemblies
  • Conceptualizing and analyzing complex opto-mechanical assemblies, creating theoretical models, conducting empirical confirmation & performing computer-assisted simulations
  • Work with optical and engineering team to integrate the laser and optomechanical delivery hardware into the quantum computer
  • Analyze and test product designs. Including tolerance analysis, perform DOEs, data collection, and data analysis
  • Provide technical support to Vendors by generating and/or reviewing bills of materials, building documentation, assembly and test fixtures, test procedures, and driving anomalies and non-conformances to closure


You’d be a good fit with:

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent work experience
  • 8+ years of relevant industry experience developing optics-based hardware or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 8+ years of experience developing overall product architecture including thermal, mechanical, and optomechanical systems
  • A strong mechanical engineering background with fluency in CAD and a solid understanding of dimensioning / tolerancing principles
  • Strong Experience with GD&T drawings and tolerance analysis
  • Experience developing specifications for optical/optomechanical/optoelectronic assemblies
  • Experience in developing systems and processes for optical alignment and metrology for optical elements and optical systems preferred
  • Knowledge of precision mechanical and/or optical alignment tools and techniques ● Able to contribute to product development road maps and long-term product vision ● Good knowledge of fixture design and manufacturing processes
  • Excellent Proficiency in SolidWorks CAD
  • Excellent verbal and written communications, presentation, and documentation skills ● Excellent cross functional communication skills and comfortable working in diverse teams.
  • Experience with product development lifecycle including design verification, design validation, and design transfer
  • Demonstrated experience with industry and design best practices


You’d be a great fit with:

  • M.S./PhD. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related engineering or scientific discipline
  • 10+ years of experience developing optics-based hardware or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience with thermal management design and development
  • Experience with AMO physics, low-pressure/temperature material properties and/or acousto-optic devices
  • Knowledge and experience with complex optical systems, lasers, free-space optical systems and components
  • Experience/success in interacting with suppliers directly, collaboration with supply chain sourcing, fostering partnerships for critical development and risk reduction ● Proven organizational skills; Able to manage multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously


Location:
This role will work onsite at our office located in Bothell, WA.
Travel: Up to 20% travel, domestic and international
Job ID:
1091

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, 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!