Senior Optical Manufacturing 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 Senior Manufacturing Engineer specializing in New Product Introduction (NPI). As a NPI Engineer, 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 serve as a critical link between our design and production teams. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure a seamless transition from product design to full‑scale manufacturing, facilitating the introduction of new products into our production environment. Your first assignment will be to provide technical guidance and support to the production implementation of our free‑space optical and laser delivery subsystems in our Bothell, WA facility.

This will involve working cross‑functionally to improve the design from a DFM/A perspective, developing associated processes, and generating manufacturing engineering documentation. Additionally, you will work cross‑functionally to optimize the mechanical stability of optical mounts, refine alignment repeatability, and improve upon build robustness for our optical subsystems.

The ideal candidate will have deep Manufacturing Engineering experience working with precision optomechanics, free‑space optical alignment, and the environmental stability requirements of high‑performance laser systems.

• Own the end‑to‑end manufacturing transition of optical subsystems, from hands‑on assembly of early prototypes to the implementation of high‑yield production lines.
• Lead DFM/A efforts by partnering with design engineers during reviews to optimize component tolerances, mounting techniques, and technical data packages for repeatable assembly.
• Define, document, and implement comprehensive manufacturing (WIs, SOPs, inspection plans) and alignment processes for free‑space optical systems and lead training sessions to ensure production staff successfully adopt new optomechanical processes.
• Troubleshoot optical performance issues (e.g., beam quality, pointing stability, insertion loss) during the NPI phase and implement corrective actions.
• Work with vendors and supply chain partners to ensure optomechanical components meet strict cleanliness and precision specifications.
• Design and validate custom assembly jigs and fixtures specifically for precision optomechanical components.
• Analyze and manage mechanical tolerance stacks to ensure that optical components maintain alignment through thermal cycling and transport.
• Identify "bottleneck" alignment steps in the R&D process and develop streamlined, deterministic assembly methods to reduce takt time.
• Standardize the use of low‑out gassing epoxies, torque specifications, and locking mechanisms to ensure optical stability in sensitive environments.
• Apply Configuration Management best practices to hardware designs.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on manufacturing engineering experience with a proven track record of transitioning products from design to production.
• An analytical, self‑driven mindset with the ability to excel in fast‑paced environments and can communicate complex technical concepts across all levels of the organization.
• Strong understanding of kinematic mounts, thermal stability in optomechanics, and precision fastener requirements.
• Experience with complex optical systems, lasers, free‑space optical systems and components, and vacuum systems.
• Experience transitioning low‑volume R&D optical prototypes into repeatable, high‑yield production modules.
• Pr…