Principal Scientist -Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms

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 Principal Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms to lead the technical development in utilizing IonQ’s quantum computers to create highly differentiated quantum solutions that will bring value to society. As a Principal Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms, you’ll be be a visionary and pace-setter for a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on a multi-generational journey to solve the world’s most complex problems using the world’s best quantum computers built at IonQ.

As a world-renowned leader on fault-tolerant algorithms, you will help discover the next generation of quantum applications that are poised to deliver results exceeding state-of-the-art classical methods. You will play a key role in developing core IP, computational resource models, long-term roadmaps and end-to-end workflows that have the potential to disrupt the field of computing. You will also work closely with product, engineering, marketing, sales, operations, and external customers/partners to brainstorm new ideas, propose complex, multi-year initiatives and represent IonQ at high-visibility technical conferences (often all in a single day)!

Responsibilities:

• Lead the conception, implementation and optimization of fault-tolerant quantum algorithms that will make a large scientific and commercial impact across a wide range of industry verticals

• Drive multi-disciplinary teams to identify, define and solve challenging problems using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers. Inspire and influence IonQ stakeholders as well as external luminaries in academia / industry / government to contribute to moonshot collaborations.

• Be a go-to expert to do SWOT analyses of FTQC algorithms, especially as they compare to NISQ algorithms and classical HPC algorithms. Communicate the current state-of-the-art, competitive landscape, scaling behaviors, trade offs, cross-over points using language that is appropriate for technical, business and general audiences.

• Develop a portfolio of foundational IP, commercially relevant applications and high-impact-factor peer-reviewed publications. Contribute toward IonQ’s technical roadmap and share externally with academics, customers, press, investors, etc.

You’d be a good fit with:

• PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics or another STEM domain, or equivalent work experience

• Professional work experience in the quantum computing field solving the toughest challenges for society

• World-class expertise in FTQC algorithms that can scale to millions of qubits, billions of gates with line-of-sight to end-customer value. Current portfolio of invited talks, repos, licenses, publications and/or patents

• Renowned contributor within the FTQC algorithm community including the development of tools (libraries, simulators, compiler), metrics (costing, resource estimation, ROI) and ecosystem (economic development, standards)

• Relentless dedication to optimizing quantum algorithms (accuracy, time-to-solution) through first-principles/elegant theoretical equations as well as engineering optimization; documented performance gains

• Mastery of key mathematical techniques used in quantum computing. Ability to communicate complex concepts to audiences ranging from domain experts to investors to the general public

• Ability to deliver excellence across all scales: technical leader, team player and IC

You’d be a great fit with:

• 10+ years of professional work experience developing FT quantum algorithms that align with realistic industry problems such as computer-aided engineering, phase transitions, reaction modeling, etc.

• Ability to supervise and review codes in Python and Qiskit or similar quantum SDKs; working knowledge of C++. Ability to bring the best out of team members working in a customer-focused, rapidly changing environment

• Experience proposing, winning, and executing on consultative (paid) contracts; government contracting or defense contracting experience a plus

• Experience commercializing end-to-end software utilizing hybrid computing e.g. CPU + GPU + QPU, Edge, Cloud, etc. Knowledge of CI/CD a plus.

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park, MD, Bothell, WA) or fully remote in the US.
Travel: Up to 10% domestic and international
Job ID: 1212

The approximate base salary range for this position is $247,781 - $324,409. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

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!