Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design

Physics World; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

IonQ in Boulder, CO seeks a simulation physicist to study ion transport physics and validate results with experimental teams. You will design transport waveforms used in quantum computers and work with architects on future trap designs.

The role requires a PhD in atomic physics or related field, experience with RF Paul traps, and strong programming in Rust/C/C++. Onsite work in Boulder with travel up to 10% may be involved.

Qualifications

• PhD in atomic physics, quantum information, or related field.
• Background in designing or operating surface electrode RF Paul traps.
• Proficiency in numerical physics simulations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel control schemes for fast, robust ion transport.
• Design and optimize control waveforms for loading, transport, routing, and gates.
• Simulate the physics of ion chains in RF Paul traps.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate ion transport into larger experimental setups or commercial products.
• Collaborate with quantum architects to co-design transport operations and QEC primitives.

Skills

Proficiency in numerical physics sim

Strong communication skills

Experimental hardware experience

Programming in Rust/C/C++

Education

PhD in atomic physics or quantum information

Tools

Rust

C

C++

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

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.

We are looking for a physicist to join our Ion Transport and Waveform Design team. As a simulation physicist, you'll be part of a cross-functional 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 study the physics of ion transport. You will collaborate with experimental teams to validate simulation results and physics understanding, commercial teams to design transport waveforms used in our quantum computers, and quantum architects to inform the design of next-generation ion traps.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel control schemes for fast, robust, and low-excitation ion transport.
• Design and optimize control waveforms to perform operations such as ion loading, transport, qubit routing, and gate operations.
• Simulate the physics of ion chains in the RF Paul traps at the heart of our systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams comprising physicists, engineers, and researchers to integrate ion transport into larger experimental setups or commercial products. Effectively communicate technical concepts, design rationale, and experimental results to stakeholders through reports, presentations, and documentation.
• Collaborate with quantum architects to co-design transport operations, novel trap designs, and quantum error correction (QEC) primitives for future commercial systems.

You'd Be a Good Fit With

• PhD in atomic physics, quantum information, or a related field with experience operating or supporting experimental hardware or equivalent experience.
• Background in designing or operating surface electrode RF Paul traps.
• Proficiency in numerical physics simulations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

You'd be a great fit with:

(Desired experiences/skills 5-10 bullets)

• Strong understanding of fundamental principles governing ion trap operation, including electrostatics, quantum mechanics, and ion dynamics.
• Proficiency with scientific programming and numerical optimization.
• Experience with transport or waveform design in surface-electrode RF Paul traps.
• Experience using a compiled programming language (Rust, C, C++, etc.) for scientific computing.

Location:

This role will work onsite in Boulder, CO

Travel:

Up to 10% (domestic and international)

Job ID:

1422

The approximate base salary range for this position is $110,336 - $144,459. 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 401(k), 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.