Senior Mask Layout Engineer

Clutch Canada; College Park (MD); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

IonQ, Inc. in College Park, MD, is seeking a Senior Mask Layout Engineer to own full-reticle tapeouts for trapped-ion quantum computer platforms, develop internal PDKs and layout libraries, and automate mask layout with Python.

You will collaborate with photonics and ion-trap design teams, verify layouts with DRC/LVS, and contribute to scalable quantum technology while advancing tapeout workflows and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and techniques.
• Excellent programming and software skills, including development in an IDE, proficiency with version control software, shell scripting, and code documentation.
• 2+ years of experience with Python-based mask layout software packages such as Luceda IPKISS, GDSFactory, or Klayout.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Python-based layout for full-reticle tapeouts with commercial foundries.
• Develop and maintain internal component PCell and automated circuit layout libraries.
• Interface with designers, test engineers, packaging engineers, and foundry team to define layout rules and component designs.
• Implement physical verification checks of layouts, including DRC and LVS.
• Develop detailed documentation of tapeouts and lead layout reviews with other team members.
• Work with cross-functional teams to understand circuit requirements and make recommendations to improve design, layout, and test workflows.

Skills

Python-based layout

PCell & libraries

Scripting & IDE

Version control

2+ years Python-based mask layout

Education

Bachelor's in Photonics, Physics, EE or related

MS/PhD in related field (bonus)

Tools

Luceda IPKISS

GDSFactory

Klayout

Synopsys

Cadence

Ansys

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.

We are looking for a Senior Mask Layout Engineer on the Fab Tapeout and Validation Team. As a Senior Mask Layout Engineer, 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 be the owner of full‑reticle tapeouts for use in trapped‑ion quantum computers, which could include both photonic and analog electronic layers. In addition, you will help develop and maintain the internal PDK and circuit layout libraries, as well as write scripts to automate the layout of masks for tapeouts. You will also have the opportunity to work closely with the photonic and ion trap design and testing teams to help develop new and game‑changing quantum technology to enable scalable quantum computing, memory, and networking.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Python‑based layout for full‑reticle tapeouts with commercial foundries
• Develop and maintain internal component PCell and automated circuit layout libraries
• Interface with designers, test engineers, packaging engineers, and foundry team to define layout rules and component designs
• Implement physical verification checks of layouts, including DRC and LVS
• Develop detailed documentation of tapeouts and lead layout reviews with other team members
• Work with cross‑functional teams to understand circuit requirements and make recommendations to improve design, layout, and test workflows

You’d be a good fit with

• Bachelor’s degree in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and techniques
• Excellent programming and software skills, including development in an IDE, proficiency with version control software, shell scripting, and code documentation
• 2+ years of experience with Python‑based mask layout software packages such as Luceda IPKISS, GDSFactory, or Klayout

You’d be a great fit with

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years experience in generating layout files for complex semiconductor flows with custom elements, such as MEMS, integrated photonics, or superconducting circuits
• Past ownership of full‑reticle tapeouts with commercial foundries
• Experience with commercial simulation, verification, and layout environments such as Synopsys, Cadence, and Ansys
• Familiarity with photonic and/or analog electronic device principles including design, test, and fabrication
• Proficiency in physical verification including DRC, LVS, and ERC
• Experience with semiconductor and/or photonic workflows for tapeout with commercial foundries
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A meticulous attention to detail and excellent track record of documenting requirements, implementation plan, and tracking progress
• Ability to work independently, prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively in a deadline‑oriented environment

Location

This role is hybrid/onsite in College Park, MD location.

Travel

Up to 10%

Job ID

1303

Salary

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

Benefits

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.

Company Culture

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.

Export Compliance (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.

Export Compliance (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.