Ionq
Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design
Boulder, Colorado, United States. Posted 8 months ago
The role
You will study the physics of ion transport as a simulation physicist. You will develop control schemes, design waveforms, and simulate ion chains in RF Paul traps while collaborating with experimental, commercial, and architecture teams.
What you will do
- Develop novel control schemes for fast, robust, and low-excitation ion transport.
- Design and optimize control waveforms for ion loading, transport, qubit routing, and gate operations.
- Simulate the physics of ion chains in the RF Paul traps.
- Collaborate with physicists, engineers, and researchers to integrate ion transport into experimental setups or products.
- Communicate technical concepts, design rationale, and experimental results to stakeholders.
- Co-design transport operations, novel trap designs, and quantum error correction primitives with quantum architects.
Required qualifications
- PhD in atomic physics, quantum information, or a related field with experience operating or supporting experimental hardware or equivalent experience.
- Background in designing or operating surface electrode RF Paul traps.
- Proficiency in numerical physics simulations.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Nice to have
- Strong understanding of fundamental principles governing ion trap operation, including electrostatics, quantum mechanics, and ion dynamics.
- Proficiency with scientific programming and numerical optimization.
- Experience with transport or waveform design in surface-electrode RF Paul traps.
- Experience using a compiled programming language (Rust, C, C++, etc.) for scientific computing.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
- Matching 401(k)
- Unlimited PTO
- Paid holidays
- Parental/adoption leave
- Legal insurance
- Home technology stipend
Before you apply
- Employment is contingent on verifying U.S. Person status for export controls and government contracts work.
- May require obtaining a necessary license or confirming a license exception under U.S. export controls.
About the company
IonQ, Inc. is a quantum platform and merchant supplier delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, the company operates globally.