Senior Microwave Research Scientist

IonQ; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 126,887 - 166,127; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Matching 401(k)

Unlimited PTO and paid holidays

Parental/adoption leave

Legal insurance

Home technology stipend

Job summary

IonQ in Boston, MA is seeking a Senior Microwave Research Scientist to design and refine microwave circuits for high-fidelity spin qubits. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in electrical engineering or physics and have over 5 years of experience in microwave device design. Responsibilities include collaborating with architecture teams, managing the design process, and leading validation efforts. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including medical plans, 401(k) matching, and unlimited PTO.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing microwave devices.
• Experience leading cross-disciplinary teams within large projects.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with architecture teams to translate system-level specifications.
• Design microwave circuits for electronic control of qubits.
• Manage the end-to-end design layout and mask handoff process.
• Lead validation efforts with test and measurement teams.

Skills

Microwave device design

Cross-disciplinary team leadership

Cryogenic compatibility

Education

PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or related field

Job description

IonQ, Inc is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. Our newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is a cutting‑edge system that has helped customers and partners such as Amazon Web Services and AstraZeneca achieve 20× 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.

Location: Onsite at our office located in Boston, MA.
Travel: Less than 10%
Job ID: 1601

The Role

We are looking for a Senior Microwave Research Scientist. In this role you will architect and refine cutting‑edge microwave circuits for the electronic control of high‑fidelity spin qubits, spearhead integration with advanced optical and electronic devices, and lead the end‑to‑end cycle from foundry fabrication to rigorous internal validation, ensuring world‑class performance for our quantum hardware.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with architecture teams to translate system‑level specifications into component‑level design rules and performance metrics.
• Design microwave circuits for electronic control of qubits, accounting for fabrication constraints, cryogenic compatibility, and system‑level interactions.
• Manage the end‑to‑end design layout and mask handoff process, partnering with foundries to fabricate devices at scale.
• Lead internal validation efforts with test and measurement teams to ensure fabricated components meet target performance specifications.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience designing microwave devices.
• PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Experience leading cross‑disciplinary teams within large projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience hiring and training new teams for research and development work.
• Knowledge of cryogenic testing and operation.
• Familiarity with architectures for distributed quantum computing, sensing, and networking.

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.

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 proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.