Senior Software Engineer - Automation & Calibration

Senior Staff Software Engineer - Automation & Calibration

College Park, Maryland, United States

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 Software Engineer on the Automation & Calibration Team. As a Senior Staff Software Engineer, you’ll be part of a cross‑functional team whose mission is to keep the fleet of IonQ’s quantum computers and demonstration systems running autonomously at peak performance and throughput in order to solve the world’s most complex problems faster.

Improving the quality and optimizing the efficiency of our quantum computers requires developing control routines and automated calibrations with our team of experimental physicist operators. Prior experience with control theory, hardware device control, and working with scientists will be helpful; data analysis and statistical methods are even more useful.

We encourage applicants from different career paths for this position. You could be a software engineer with an emerging interest in quantum computing. You could be a quantum researcher with strong software engineering skills and desire to focus on the engineering discipline. We’d love a blend of hands‑on experience as well as tactical and strategic direction.

• Write software to automate our system behavior to meet business and technical goals
• Write software to calibrate our systems’ physical parameters
• Provide technical expertise in building robust, well‑engineered, tested software solutions
• Effectively self‑manage projects, priorities, deadlines, and deliverables
• Identify, track and mitigate execution roadblocks and technical risks
• Mentor more junior engineers and team members with different technical backgrounds in your area of expertise
• Listen and learn from team members with different areas of expertise and experiences

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related field.
• 13+ years of professional programming experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) in a general‑purpose language like Python, Go, Rust, or C++.
• Data analysis skills in areas such as statistical testing, modeling, optimization, and/or machine learning.

• MS or PhD or equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related field.
• Experience with machine learning and/or mathematical optimization.
• A background in digital signal processing and/or control theory.
• Experience working with technical experts outside of traditional software engineering, particularly electrical engineers and physicists.

Location: This position can be on‑site or hybrid from one of our offices in College Park, MD, or Bothell, WA.

Travel: Occasional, 1‑4 per year.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $187,358 - $245,300.”

Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at  Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance.

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.

As a U.S. Technical Job, access to technology may be subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” status or obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Accordingly, we will have additional questions regarding your immigration status to ensure compliance with federal law.