Principal Quantum Circuit Compilation & Optimization Scientist

We are looking for a Principal Quantum Circuit Compilation & Optimization Scientist. As a Principal Scientist, you’ll be part of a crossfunctional 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 the prominent technical authority responsible for optimizing IonQs circuitcompilation stack to achieve peak fidelity on current iontrap processors, maximize resource efficiency (gate count, depth, ancillae), and establish the strategic framework for faulttolerant Quantum Error Correction (QEC). Your contributions will inform the developmental trajectories of the applications, QEC, and trap design teams, concurrently influencing industry standards.

Responsibilities:

• Architect & Evolve the Compiler – Own the endtoend toolchain (IR, passes, scheduling, routing, EMQECaware optimizations) for iontrap systems, with an eye toward modularity for emerging qubit or modulartrap topologies.
• Quantify Value – Define OKRs that translate compilation advances into measurable gateerror and throughput gains; verify via hardware data.
• Influence Partner Roadmaps – Provide databacked guidance that shapes feature priorities for the applications, QEC, and trap design teams, without owning their charters.
• Set the Scientific Narrative – Publish, patent, and evangelize IonQ’s compiler tech externally, positioning us one release ahead of competitors.
• Advise Executives & Board – Translate technical riskreward into capitalallocation decisions and longrange product bets.

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  You’d be a good fit with:

  • Masters in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.
  • 18+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 15+ years experience designing complex algorithms.
  • 10+ years experience in technical leadership.
  • Experience with scientific applications and languages (HPC), e.g., Python.
  • A skill for defining intermediate representations.
  • Proficiency in quantum information science.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • A love of collaborating in an interdisciplinary environment.
    
    

  • You’d be a great fit with:

    • PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or Quantum Information Science.
    • Internationally recognized authority in quantum compilationoptimization (e.g., 80+ citations per flagship paper, leadership of a major opensource compiler, or standards authorship).
    • Demonstrated business impact by shipping compilers controlling live iontrap or comparable hardware at commercial scale.
    • Track record of sparking followon innovations through mentorship and crossdisciplinary collaboration.
    • Comfortable steering strategy with Csuite and Board while remaining handson in algorithms, math, and experiments.
    • Mastery of physicsaware compiler construction (MLIRLLVM, RustC++, Python) and control system integration.
    • Advanced proficiency with quantum information science.
    • A love of mentoring junior scientists and engineers.

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      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 1015% travel
      Job ID: 1106

      The approximate base salary range for this position is $187,358 $245,300. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

      Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, jobrelated 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.cojobs. 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, parentaladoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance!

      
      IonQs 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 andor 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, andor 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 exportcontrolled 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 NonTechnical 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!