QEC Researcher

IonQ, Inc.; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) matching

Unlimited PTO

Paid holidays

Parental/adoption leave

Home technology stipend

Job summary

IonQ, Inc. is seeking a QEC Researcher to advance fault-tolerant quantum computing. You will design and optimize quantum error correction codes and decoders, and simulate their performance within IonQ's large-scale architecture.

You will develop and extend simulation tools, publish research findings, and collaborate with experts across theory and experimentation. Domestic and international conference travel is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in quantum computing, physics, mathematics, computer science or related field.
• Around five years of research experience in quantum error correction or related areas.
• Strong publications and conference talks in quantum error correction.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design of core components of our fault-tolerant quantum computer architecture, such as quantum error correction protocols, logical operations or decoders.
• Contribute to the development of the quantum error correction team's simulation tools.
• Contribute to research papers.
• Collaborate with team members with different areas of expertise and experience.

Skills

Quantum error correction

QEC simulation

Stim

Monte Carlo simulations

Linear algebra

Probability theory

Graph theory

Communication skills

Education

PhD in quantum computing/physics/mathematics/computer science or related field

Tools

Stim

Monte Carlo methods

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 . 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.

Role Overview

Role:

We are looking for a QEC Researcher to work on quantum error correction. You will 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 contribute to the design of IonQ's fault-tolerant quantum computer by conducting research in quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing. You will design, optimise and simulate quantum error correction codes, decoders and logical operations, which sit at the core of our large-scale quantum computing architecture.

Responsibilities:

Your research will feed directly into the architecture of our fault-tolerant machines, from the choice of codes and logical operations through to the decoders that run them. You will also help build and extend the simulation tools the quantum error correction team relies on to evaluate new protocols. You will share your results through research papers and conference talks, and work closely with colleagues whose expertise and experience differ from your own.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the design of core components of our fault-tolerant quantum computer architecture, such as quantum error correction protocols, logical operations or decoders.
• Contribute to the development of the quantum error correction team's simulation tools.
• Contribute to research papers.
• Collaborate with team members with different areas of expertise and experience.

Requirements:

To succeed, you will need a PhD in quantum computing, mathematics, physics, computer science or a related field, and around five years of research experience. Strong expertise in QEC simulation and physics simulation, including Stim and Monte Carlo methods, is central to the role.

You will be comfortable working across theory and simulation, turning ideas into protocols that can be tested numerically. Conference travel, both domestic and international, is part of the role.

You'd be a great fit with:

• Strong publications and conference talks in quantum error correction.
• Experience in quantum error correction, logical operations and decoders.
• A solid mathematical background in linear algebra, finite fields, probability theory, graph theory and the standard techniques used in quantum computing.
• Strong expertise with QEC simulation, physics simulation, Stim and Monte Carlo simulations.
• The ability to communicate at every level, from the research community to the business to PhD level.

The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site.

If this role has a commission structure, the compensation range below just reflects the base compensation range.

Wage Transparency:

$160,000 - $240,000 USD

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.