Senior Quantum Physicist – Remote-Friendly Trapped-Ion

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) matching

Unlimited PTO

Paid holidays

Parental/adoption leave

Home tech stipend

Job summary

IonQ in Boulder, CO seeks a PhD physicist to push quantum hardware using trapped‑ion qubits. You will design, test, and optimize quantum control methods on cutting‑edge processors while collaborating with a fast‑moving team.

You will calibrate, benchmark, and analyze experiments to push gate fidelity and scalability. The role offers access to state‑of‑the‑art lab facilities and flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or related field; strong background in atomic/qubit physics.
• Hands-on experience with qubit control, calibration, benchmarking, or coherent control are essential.
• Experience with trapped ions is preferred and highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and characterize coherent control and cooling schemes for trapped‑ion qubits using laser and microwave fields.
• Calibrate and benchmark quantum systems, focusing on ultra‑low gate errors and performance across modules.
• Analyze experimental data, debug hardware/software interactions, and ensure qubit reliability.
• Present results internally and externally, representing IonQ at conferences and collaborations.

Skills

AMO physics

Trapped ions

Quantum control

Calibration

Benchmarking

Programming

Data analysis

Publications

Collaboration

Education

PhD in physics

Tools

Control software

Hardware integration

Experimental data analysis

Job description

IonQ in Boulder, CO seeks a PhD physicist to push quantum hardware using trapped‑ion qubits. You will design, test, and optimize quantum control methods on cutting‑edge processors while collaborating with a fast‑moving team.

You will calibrate, benchmark, and analyze experiments to push gate fidelity and scalability. The role offers access to state‑of‑the‑art lab facilities and flexible work arrangements.