Optical Integration Engineer

Physics World; Bothell (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IonQ is seeking an Optical Integration Engineer to join the Quantum Networking team. This role focuses on subsystems integration of optical, mechanical, and electrical components into complex systems. Hands-on experience with assembly, alignment, and troubleshooting is essential.

Responsibilities include performing precision alignment, following procedures, and developing processes. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality integration and documentation in a cleanroom

Qualifications

• Experience in optical assembly or optical instrument manufacturing, preferably in aerospace, photonics, medical devices, or precision equipment.
• Experience with precision alignment and metrology tools listed.
• Strong manual dexterity with delicate optical components.
• Ability to read/interpret engineering drawings and assembly procedures.
• Experience with cleanroom operations (ISO 5–8), ESD, laser safety.
• Understanding of optomechanical interfaces including lens mounts and kinematic mounts.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision optical alignment and integration of components and assemblies.
• Follow and execute work instructions and alignment procedures.
• Support development and improvement of assembly and alignment processes.
• Perform inspection and measurement of optomechanical assemblies.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot alignment and performance issues.
• Maintain documentation for traceability.
• Handle sensitive optical hardware per cleanroom standards.
• Integrate diverse optical systems (free-space, fiber, high-power lasers).
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and control teams for seamless integration.
• Integrate control electronics and routed systems.

Skills

Optical assembly

Precision alignment

Metrology tools

Engineering drawings

Cleanroom operations

Optomechanical interfaces

Tools

Autocollimators

Beam Profilers

Shearing interferometers

Optical power meters

Infrared cameras

Interferometers

Polarimeters

Job description

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 .

Job Details

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.

Location

This role is based at our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.

Travel

Up to 25%, domestic.

Job ID

1751

The Role

We are seeking an Optical Integration Engineer to join the Quantum Networking team at IonQ. This critical role entails subsystem integration of optical, mechanical, and electrical components into complex systems. Hands‑on experience is required, as well as the ability to follow work instructions, develop new procedures, perform measurements, and work closely with engineering teams to troubleshoot problems and develop processes. Mechanical assembly, optical alignments, electronics mounting, and cable routing experience is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision optical alignment and integration of components and assemblies
• Follow and execute work instructions and alignment procedures
• Support the development and improvement of assembly and alignment processes
• Perform inspection and measurement of optomechanical assemblies
• Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot alignment and performance issues
• Maintain accurate documentation for traceability
• Handle sensitive optical hardware in accordance with cleanroom and contamination control standards
• Integration of diverse optical systems, such as free‑space optical communication systems, fiber‑based systems, and high‑power laser applications
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and control engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of optical subsystems
• Integration of control electronics and routed systems

Technical Skills

• Proven experience in optical assembly or optical instrument manufacturing, preferably in aerospace, photonics, medical devices, or precision equipment
• Strong experience with precision alignment and metrology tools such as:
  • Autocollimators
  • Beam Profilers
  • Shearing interferometers
  • Optical power meters
  • Infrared cameras and sensors
  • Interferometers for surface quality and wavefront error measurements
  • Polarimeters
• Excellent manual dexterity and precision handling of delicate optical components, and small precision components
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, exploded diagrams, and optical assembly procedures
• Experience with cleanroom operations (ISO 5 to ISO 8), ESD control, laser safety, and contamination‑sensitive environments
• Understanding of optomechanical interfaces, including lens mounts, kinematic mounts, fiber coll...