Senior Staff Physicist - Resilience Engineering and Operations

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 Physicist - Resilience Engineering and Operations to join our System Operations team in Basel. This pivotal role is essential for ensuring the high performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of our commercial quantum computers. As a subject matter expert, you will serve as a critical bridge, bringing deep insights from advanced physics and engineering to our real-world operational demands. You will be instrumental not only in providing deeper technical understanding for complex system diagnostics and issue resolution, but also in proactively proposing and driving strategic enhancements that elevate system performance, influence future designs, and ensure our trapped-ion systems consistently meet requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a deep technical subject matter expert for System Operations, guiding complex diagnostics and troubleshooting on commercial quantum computers.
• Support the validation, commissioning, and hand-off activities for new quantum computing systems as they transition to operational readiness.
• Propose, develop, and drive technical solutions and initiatives to significantly improve the performance, stability, and adherence to requirements of our quantum computer product line.
• Influence and guide engineering change processes for commercial systems, ensuring robust fixes that address fundamental issues and improve long-term reliability.
• Conduct advanced analysis of operational data and telemetry to identify systemic performance limitations and opportunities for proactive enhancement.
• Collaborate closely with our cross functional teams to ensure operational insights are effectively integrated into future product designs.
• Elevate the technical understanding and troubleshooting capabilities of our Systems Operator team through direct mentorship and the development of advanced operational tools, processes, and documentation.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and execution for system maintenance, upgrades, and overall operational efficiency.

You'd be a good fit with:

• PhD in physics with deep knowledge of atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics principles.
• 12+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years of experience building, operating, and troubleshooting complex experimental physics systems, with a strong emphasis on optical alignments, laser stabilization, and opto-mechanical components.
• Experience with the integration, validation, and operation of complex quantum systems.
• Demonstrated ability to apply advanced physics principles to solve real-world, intricate hardware and software problems.
• Proficiency in Python and JavaScript for experimental control, data analysis, and automation.
• Exceptional communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, capable of bridging technical conversations across diverse engineering and scientific disciplines.
• A strong propensity for learning new technologies and a fascination with quantum computing.

You'd be a great fit with:

• Experience in high-uptime, operational environments, demonstrating composure and effective problem-solving under pressure.
• Direct experience with ion traps, ultra-high vacuum (UHV), or cryogenic systems.
• Experience in transforming complex research or experimental systems into robust, production-ready products.
• Background in data analysis, data science, or machine learning applied to hardware performance.
• Experience mentoring or guiding junior technical staff.

Location: This role will work hybrid from our office located in Basel, Switzerland.
Travel:  Less than 10% domestic and international
Job ID:  1128

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!