Location: This role can be based at our office in Bothell, WA (US) or in Oxford, England (UK).
Travel: Twice per year
Job ID: 1453

The Role

As a Staff Software Engineer for Developer Tools, you will be responsible for delivering the next generation of quantum compiler tools and features, with the focus of integration into quantum software applications, overall developer experience, documentation and developer tooling. Your work will involve setting high-level technical standards, mentoring senior engineers and scientists, and providing deep expertise to solve the most challenging problems in quantum compilation, optimization, and hardware interfaces. You will drive the adoption and enhancement of critical, user-facing compiler infrastructure, ensuring our tools are aligned with cutting-edge quantum research (e.g., advanced error mitigation, novel compiler optimization techniques). You will work across organizational boundaries, Compiler, QEC, Applications, and Engineering, to support scientific breakthroughs and define the technical strategy for packaging, documentation, and release processes for major components of IonQ’s developer tooling ecosystem.

The Developer Tools team builds the critical software layer for IonQ’s quantum software tools. In this Staff role, you will be a key driver in shaping the future of this ecosystem, and bridging the gap between critical parts of our engineering and computing organizations. Your impact will be measured by the successful delivery of critical, cross-functional projects and the elevation of technical execution across the entire team.

As a Staff Software Engineer, your influence extends beyond a single project; you define the technical bedrock upon which IonQ's developer ecosystem is built. The compiler is the critical interface where quantum algorithms are realized on hardware, and your architectural decisions will dictate the performance ceiling and accessibility of our systems. You will lead the charge in making advanced quantum techniques, from sophisticated hardware-aware compilation to state-of-the-art error mitigation, seamlessly available to every developer. This role offers the unique opportunity to leverage your deep experience to solve fundamental technical challenges, mentor the next generation of quantum software leaders, and accelerate the global adoption of quantum computing.

Responsibilities

• Define the technical strategy and roadmap for major components of the compiler toolchain, optimization suite, and developer interfaces, ensuring long-term maintainability and performance.
• Serve as the primary architect and technical lead for large, complex engineering projects spanning multiple teams (e.g., integrating a new compilation paradigm or full-stack error mitigation strategy).
• Drive the design and implementation of highly scalable and robust interfaces for hardware-specific compilation features, including advanced pulse-level control and system diagnostics.
• Establish best practices and mentor engineers on software architecture, design patterns, testing methodologies, and maintainership.
• Collaborate closely with research teams to evaluate, prototype, and productize novel quantum algorithms and compilation techniques, bridging the gap between research and production.
• Oversee the comprehensive documentation, examples, tutorials, and packaging strategy for all compiler-related developer tools to ensure ease of adoption and a world-class user experience.
• Act as a key technical resource for the Applications Engineering team, providing deep expertise to employ compilation techniques to solve customer-specific challenges and gather requirements for new features.
• Champion continuous improvement in software engineering processes, automated testing, CI/CD, and validation standards across the Developer Tools organization.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent training, fellowship, or work experience.
• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a significant portion spent in a technical leadership or architectural role.
• Deep expertise in Python and experience designing and maintaining large-scale, performance-critical software systems.
• Expert-level understanding of quantum computing principles, quantum circuits, optimization techniques, and compiler fundamentals.
• Proven track record of driving complex, cross-functional engineering projects from concept to production delivery.
• Experience in system-level architecture and design, translating high-level requirements into clear, actionable technical specifications and implementation plans.
• A history of mentorship and elevating the technical capabilities of a multi-level engineering team.
• Familiarity with Agentic AI coding tools and techniques, and experience integrating them into modern software development workflows.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of authoring impactful technical papers, specifications, and external documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in Physics, Computer Science, or a related field with a focus on quantum computing or compiler technologies.
• Direct experience in compiler development (classical or quantum), particularly with optimization passes, intermediate representations, or static analysis tools.
• Deep expertise in system-level programming (C++, Rust) for high-performance computing or hardware interaction.
• Significant contributions to open-source software, especially in the quantum computing ecosystem (e.g., Qiskit, Pennylane, Cirq, ucc, jeff).
• Experience with low-level hardware control, pulse-level programming, dynamic circuits, or systems programming.
• A strong background in applied quantum error correction (QEC) or advanced quantum error mitigation techniques.
• A demonstrated ability to influence technical direction across organizational boundaries and secure buy-in for strategic initiatives.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $167,808 - $219,704 (USD). The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

We’re looking for a Staff Quantum Applications Scientist - Life Sciences who will be part of a cross-functional team at IonQ whose mission is to deliver the world’s best quantum solutions in life sciences on the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex and impactful problems. This role is open as part of IonQ’s Quantum Applications team based in either Gothenburg, Sweden or Toronto, Canada. You will work closely with partners within the life sciences innovation ecosystem and beyond to create new hybrid quantum applications with significant commercial impact.

Responsibilities: 

• Originate and lead development of impactful hybrid quantum applications, algorithms and solutions in the life sciences domain that promise commercial advantages in practice and at scale.
• Collaborate with quantum compiler, cloud and hardware engineering teams to develop highly optimized hybrid workflows for trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Contribute knowledge of classical and quantum domain-specific algorithms and tools to evaluate and communicate pros and cons, current state-of-the-art, scaling behavior, trade offs, cross-over points, etc.
• Lead constructive technical interactions with client teams to find, define, and solve problems of real-world interest using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Represent the team in client and stakeholder presentations, develop presentation content and appropriately adapt it to the audience.
• Build reusable software platforms to grow IonQ’s user base. Integrate first of a kind quantum algorithms into larger end-to-end workflows.

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Doctorate degree in the life sciences domain, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 3 years of professional experience using and developing computational and ML/AI tools in bioinformatics, molecular biology, development of advanced therapeutics, including a track record of peer-reviewed manuscripts and contributions to code bases.
• At least 3 years of professional experience developing, applying, validating quantum computing algorithms and solutions in the life sciences domain, including prototyping solutions using Python and quantum SDKs like Qiskit, PennyLane, Cirq.
• Desire to work closely with customers including aligning with time zones and work schedules. Potential for international travel and/or onsite co-location.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Expertise in key mathematical techniques used in quantum computing - linear algebra, matrix decompositions, probability theory, symmetry, computational complexity.
• Success working directly with clients to define and deliver solutions; excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Location: Onsite and/or hybrid from our office in Gothenburg, Sweden or Toronto, Canada
Travel: 10% domestic and international, with a focus on visiting customers and clients
Job ID: 1361

We’re looking for a Staff Technical Program Manager who will be part of a cross-functional team at IonQ whose mission is to deliver the world’s best quantum solutions in life sciences on the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex and impactful problems. This role is open as part of IonQ’s Quantum Applications team based in either Gothenburg, Sweden or Toronto, Canada. You will work closely with partners within the life sciences innovation ecosystem and beyond to create new hybrid quantum applications with significant commercial impact.

In this role, you will lead a talented team of application scientists to deliver the next generation of quantum computing solutions to real-world customers in the advanced health care and life sciences (HCLS) domain. You’ll work with principal investigators, product managers, customers and innovation partners to drive complex projects through initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling and completion. You will support the delivery of a wide variety of initiatives ranging from bespoke quantum solutions, performance-optimized quantum libraries and platforms, as well as first-of-a-kind quantum applications. You will also help develop multi-generational technology and product roadmaps.

Responsibilities: 

• Drive efficient end-to-end delivery of novel quantum HCLS applications built for IonQ quantum computers.
• Lead the transition of technology and capabilities from R&D to commercialization. Define and measure success metrics for each stage of development.
• Create and manage timelines of complex projects, their documentation, milestones and deliverables. Ensure that project dependencies are met, cross-functional resources are aligned, and project teams move forward at a rapid pace.
• Conduct risk analysis and develop risk mitigation plans that result in the successful delivery of projects. Stay ahead of the projects by proactively tackling emerging risks.
• When necessary, roll up your sleeves, dive into technical details, and lead problem solving efforts.
• Communicate with a wide base of stakeholders: internal and external, technical and non-technical. Drive stakeholder alignment and support.
• Maintain and promote operational rigor, reduce waste by implementing the right amount of process without slowing down innovation.
• Work with project, contracting, legal, finance and sales teams to develop proposals, technical volumes and financial reports; ensure regulatory, fiscal and IP compliance.
• Drive quality control and devops processes such as standard work, CI/CD, version control, code style/reviews and automated testing.
• Accommodate occasional travel and flexible work hours to communicate across time zones and ensure customer success, as needed.

You’d be a good fit with: 

• B.S. in physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science or another technical domain; or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated prior experience working directly with clients to co-develop advanced computational modeling solutions.
• Demonstrated prior experience delivering complex innovative projects with a significant R&D component.
• Prior experience in information technology or R&D in the HCLS domain.
• Experience leading complex projects using project management tools such as GitHub, Jira, Smartsheet, etc.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Ability to lead through influence without formal authority.
• Strong commitment to customer advocacy, success and customer engagement.
• Ability to work effectively with a strong work ethic and close attention to detail. Capacity to manage a fast-paced dynamic team environment with constantly evolving roles and responsibilities.

You’d be a great fit with:

• M.S. or Ph.D in physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science or another technical domain; or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of quantum computing, quantum circuits and quantum software tools, e.g. Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane.
• Demonstrated prior experience developing cloud and high-performance computing applications.
• Demonstrated prior experience transitioning first-of-a-kind software prototypes to commercial products.
• Subject matter expertise in the HCLS domain.

Location: This role will be based onsite in Gothenburg, Sweden, or Toronto, Canada.
Travel: 10% domestic and international, with a focus on visiting customers and partners
Job ID: 1401

We are looking for a Senior Quantum Field Engineer. As a Senior Quantum Field Engineer, you’ll be part of a team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world’s best quantum solutions and solve the world’s most complex problems.  Field Engineering sits at the intersection of customers, markets, products and product teams, algorithms, applications, innovation and strategy - this is the team where ideas become applied and have impact.

Join a nimble team of scientists, engineers, salespeople, marketers, business developers, and product managers to drive an entirely new quantum computing business. We’re seeking versatile engineers and architects skilled in technical sales, technical demos and customer interactions who feel energized to deliver IonQ’s quantum computing products and quantum applications. 

Responsibilities:

• Inspire prospective clients by explaining IonQ’s strategy, portfolio and answering technical questions about quantum portfolio (compute, network, security, sensing and space) and quantum applications.
• Lead and shepherd client discussions, inspiring them to see how quantum applications can be implemented in their business domain.
• This includes working through business needs and mapping Quantum Algorithms (financial services, bioscience, chemistry and materials, optimization, generative AI, and other domains) into application code and executing Proof-of-Concepts together with the IonQ Application team.
• Share insights from clients with the IonQ Product Management and Engineering teams such that client feedback is incorporated into our products.
• Navigate competitive objection handling
• Translate business needs expressed by our clients into technical work projects in collaboration with other team members.
• Create assets to explain features of our quantum applications and other IonQ quantum products.
• Move dialogs from initial ideation to focused exploration domain through to proof-of-concept and ultimately into production workflows.
• Lead client discovery sessions for business oriented use cases that uncover potential overlap with development of useful quantum algorithms together with the IonQ Application team
• Partner with marketing, developer relations and business development to grow awareness of IonQ in the world at large.
• Attend industry conferences, as needed, to talk to client and support our booth activities.
• Some travel expected in the US (20%) but opportunities for global travel are available as well for client meeting and IonQ conference activities.
• This is a technical customer-facing role with the appropriate balance of compensation acceleration for success and a base salary to ensure that credibility and technical correctness always comes first.

You’d be a good fit with:

• 5 years of experience in technical customer-facing roles or equivalent capacity.  The ability to communicate (at the various context-appropriate levels of depth) and persuade clearly, have strong EQ, and other customer facings skills are critical.
• Bachelor’s degree or above in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, or other STEM field, such as Chemistry, Physics or Engineering
• Motivated learner with a strong interest in quantum computing.

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Masters or PhD in a STEM field, perhaps adjacent to quantum computing.
• Time on the customer side in various verticals included leadership roles - this provides customer empathy
• Hands-on experience with Qiskit, Cirq or other quantum computing SDK.
• Proficient in Python and Jupyter Notebooks.
• Expert architecture skills across various technologies (“full stack skills”)
• Experience leading technical events.

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from our office in Toronto or remote in Canada
Travel: 20% travel domestically and globally
Job ID: 1310

We’re looking for a Senior Quantum Applications Scientist - Life Sciences who will be part of a cross-functional team at IonQ whose mission is to deliver the world’s best quantum solutions in life sciences on the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex and impactful problems. This role is open as part of IonQ’s Quantum Applications team based in either Gothenburg, Sweden or Toronto, Canada. You will work closely with partners within the life sciences innovation ecosystem and beyond to create new hybrid quantum applications with significant commercial impact.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop impactful hybrid quantum applications, algorithms and solutions in the life sciences domain that promise commercial advantages in practice and at scale.
• Collaborate with quantum compiler, cloud and hardware engineering teams to develop highly optimized hybrid workflows for trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Contribute knowledge of classical and quantum domain-specific algorithms and tools to evaluate and communicate pros and cons, current state-of-the-art, scaling behavior, trade offs, cross-over points, etc.
• Be part of a client-facing team that finds, defines, and solves problems of real-world interest using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Build reusable software platforms to grow IonQ’s user base. Integrate first of a kind quantum algorithms into larger end-to-end workflows.

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Doctorate degree in the life sciences domain, or equivalent work experience.
• Hands-on expertise with using and developing computational and ML/AI tools in bioinformatics, molecular biology, development of advanced therapeutics, including a track record of peer-reviewed manuscripts and contributions to code bases.
• Demonstrated experience developing, applying, validating quantum computing algorithms and solutions in the life sciences domain, including prototyping solutions using Python and quantum SDKs like Qiskit, PennyLane, Cirq.
• Desire to work closely with customers including aligning with time zones and work schedules. Potential for international travel and/or onsite co-location.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Expertise in key mathematical techniques used in quantum computing - linear algebra, matrix decompositions, probability theory, symmetry, computational complexity.
• Success working directly with clients to define and deliver solutions; excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Location: Onsite and/or hybrid from our office in Gothenburg, Sweden or Toronto, Canada
Travel: 10% domestic and international, with a focus on visiting customers and clients
Job ID: 1360

We are looking for a Senior Quantum Field Engineer. As a Senior Quantum Field Engineer, you’ll be part of a team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world’s best quantum solutions for the Bioscience vertical and solve the world’s most complex problems.  Field Engineering sits at the intersection of customers, markets, products and product teams, algorithms, applications, innovation and strategy - this is the team where ideas become applied and have impact.

Join a nimble team of scientists, engineers, salespeople, marketers, business developers, and product managers to drive an entirely new quantum computing business. We’re seeking versatile engineers and architects skilled in technical sales, technical demos and customer interactions who feel energized to deliver IonQ’s quantum computing products and quantum applications. 

Responsibilities:

• Inspire prospective clients by explaining IonQ’s strategy, portfolio and answering technical questions about quantum portfolio (compute, network, security, sensing and space) and quantum applications.
• Lead and shepherd client discussions, inspiring them to see how quantum applications can be implemented in their business domain.
• This includes working through business needs and mapping Quantum Algorithms (strong focus on biosciences, but also chemistry and materials, optimization, generative AI, and other domains) into application code and executing Proof-of-Concepts together with the IonQ Application team.
• Share insights from clients with the IonQ Product Management and Engineering teams such that client feedback is incorporated into our products.
• Navigate competitive objection handling
• Translate business needs expressed by our clients into technical work projects in collaboration with other team members.
• Create assets to explain features of our quantum applications and other IonQ quantum products.
• Move dialogs from initial ideation to focused exploration domain through to proof-of-concept and ultimately into production workflows.
• Lead client discovery sessions for business-oriented use cases that uncover potential overlap with the development of useful quantum algorithms, together with the IonQ Application team.
• Partner with marketing, developer relations and business development to grow awareness of IonQ in the world at large.
• Attend industry conferences, as needed, to talk to clients and support our booth activities.
• Some travel is expected in the US (20%) but opportunities for global travel are available as well for client meetings and IonQ conference activities.
• This is a technical customer-facing role with the appropriate balance of compensation acceleration for success and a base salary to ensure that credibility and technical correctness always comes first.

You’d be a good fit with:

• 5+ years of experience in the Biosciences industry, leading technology initiatives and innovation (or equivalent capacity).  The ability to communicate (at the various context-appropriate levels of depth) and persuade clearly, have strong EQ, and other customer-facing skills are critical.
• Bachelor’s degree or above in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, or other STEM field, such as Physics or Engineering
• Motivated learner with a strong passion for applied Quantum Mechanics (computing, network, security, sensing and other domains).

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Master's or PhD in a STEM field, perhaps adjacent to quantum computing.   This can enable quicker client trust and confidence.
• 5+ years of experience in a technical customer-facing role or equivalent capacity.  This isn’t a pre-requisite, but helps in transitioning to customer-facing roles.
• Hands-on experience with Qiskit, Cirq or other quantum computing SDK.
• Proficient in Python and Jupyter Notebooks.
• Expert architecture skills across various technologies (“full stack skills”)
• Experience leading technical events.

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices or fully remote in the US or Canada
Travel: Up to 20% travel domestically and globally
Job ID:  1308

The approximate base salary range for this position is $192,979 - $252,659 USD. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.