Senior Engineer - QPU Testing at IonQ

About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.

The mission of the QPU Testing team is to improve quantum computer performance through validation of QPU (quantum processing unit) designs and verification of individual QPUs produced by the manufacturing team. We own the creation and execution of test plans that we develop with stakeholders across the Quantum Computing organization. We are looking for a Senior Engineer to join the QPU Testing team at the boundary between QPU Testing, QPU Packaging, and QPU Manufacturing. In this role, you will ensure our testing accurately captures device quality and performance characteristics that are important to both the fabrication and packaging teams. You will also serve as a trusted internal authority on package-level and die-level test validity, rigor, and interpretation.

You will help to translate fabrication and packaging risk areas into concrete, executable test plans — including die-level electrical screening, package-level qualification, and non-ion device characterization — then communicate results, interpretation, and actionable feedback to stakeholders. This role is central to maintaining a trusted testing roadmap and ensuring tight feedback loops between manufacturing, packaging, and system integration.

Responsibilities:

Drive creation and evolution of die-level and package-level test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria, aligned to fabrication and packaging priorities.
Translate manufacturing requirements and packaging risk areas into practical, executable test coverage and readiness standards for QPU testing platforms.
Provide technical triage for complex, ambiguous device and packaging issues, defining next diagnostics and escalation paths.
Execute and validate testing campaigns hands-on, including operation of probe stations, PCB-based test fixtures, and package-level electrical characterization setups.
Design and build test hardware (PCBs, breakout boards, test fixtures) to support expanding QPU package formats.
Communicate results and recommendations clearly across packaging, fabrication, and cross-functional stakeholders.

You’d be a good fit with:

MS/PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science, or a closely related field, and 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
Hands-on experience with die-level or package-level electrical characterization (probe station operation, IV curves, continuity/opens/shorts testing).
Demonstrated ability to independently define next steps, prioritize work, and execute with minimal supervision.
Strong electronics fundamentals (PCB design and bring-up, signal integrity, connector and cabling systems) and comfort debugging complex hardware setups.
Python scripting for test automation, data acquisition, and analysis workflows.

You’d be a great fit with:

Experience working at the boundary of semiconductor fabrication, advanced packaging (wire bonding, flip-chip, or similar), and system integration.
Track record owning end-to-end test strategy (metrics to procedures to execution to reporting) for complex hardware platforms.
Familiarity with cryogenic or vacuum-compatible electronics and packaging constraints.
Experience working in highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams and influencing test priorities across org boundaries.
Background in MEMS, photonics, or novel semiconductor device characterization.

Location: onsite - College Park
Travel: 10%

Job ID: 1358

The approximate base salary range for this position is $126,887 - $166,127. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.

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!