Senior Rust Software Engineer

IonQ; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 142,113 - 186,063; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Platinum-level family health coverage

401(k) contributions

20 days paid time off

Job summary

IonQ in Pleasanton, CA is seeking a Senior Rust Software Engineer to lead the design of next-generation quantum devices. You will work on high-performance software architectures, collaborating with physicists and engineers in a hands-on lab environment.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in embedded software development and exceptional communication skills. The role offers competitive benefits, including platinum-level health coverage and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional software engineering experience in embedded environments.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident as required by U.S. export controls.
• Experience working hands-on in a laboratory environment with complex hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of high-performance software architectures in Rust.
• Architect and verify system controllers on ARM SoCs.
• Optimize critical control loops and essential algorithms for quantum instruments.

Skills

C/C++ coding

Python for data analysis

Embedded systems experience

Communication skills

Collaboration with hardware teams

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

ARM SoCs

Linux device drivers

Standard test equipment

Job description

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 helped customers and partners, including 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.

IonQ is headquartered in College Park, Maryland, with 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.

About Vector Atomic

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real‑world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills.

Location

Pleasanton, CA (Onsite)

Travel

Up to 5% domestic or international.

Job ID

1687.

The Role

Vector Atomic is building next‑generation quantum devices designed for real‑world applications, including GPS‑free navigation, high‑precision timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. As a Senior Rust Software Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader within a rapidly growing, collaborative team of over 50 professionals delivering practical, transformative quantum technologies. In this high‑impact role, you will architect and write production‑quality Rust code, driving the software strategy for our advanced quantum instruments. You will collaborate deeply across disciplines with physicists, electronics engineers, and firmware engineers, taking ownership of system controllers, data acquisition pipelines, and critical control algorithms on ARM SoCs from concept to deployment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of reliable, high‑performance, production‑quality software architectures in Rust.
• Architect and verify system controllers on ARM SoCs, designing robust user‑space drivers for complex peripherals (including mixed‑signal devices) and low‑latency data acquisition pipelines.
• Implement and optimize critical control loops and precision algorithms essential to the stability and operation of quantum sensing instruments.
• Partner closely with hardware teams to lead board testing, hardware bring‑up, and the implementation of fault‑tolerant error‑handling systems.
• Oversee the development and scaling of core software libraries used for the control and automation of next‑generation quantum systems.
• Champion continuous improvement within the development process—leading technical code reviews, project retrospectives, and mentoring junior engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, with 6+ years of professional software engineering experience (with a proven track record in embedded or hardware‑adjacent environments).
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible refugee/​asylee as required by U.S. export controls.
• Fully comfortable working hands‑on in a laboratory environment alongside physical hardware and complex test setups.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to bridge technical gaps between hardware engineers, software teams, and physicists.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive background coding in C/C++ or utilizing Python and its scientific libraries for data analysis and modeling.
• Deep expertise in designing, modeling, and coding advanced control algorithms (such as PID loops) and fixed‑point digital filters.
• Advanced experience interfacing with external hardware devices through protocols like TCP/UDP, UART, SPI, and I²C.
• Comprehensive background working with SoC/FPGA architectures and developing specialized Linux device drivers.
• Highly proficient in using standard test and measurement equipment—including oscilloscopes, function generators, and voltmeters—to benchmark, validate, and debug software performance.

Benefits

• Platinum‑level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off & 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Fully stocked kitchen

Approximate base salary range: $142,113 – $186,063 per year. Total compensation includes base, bonus, equity, and benefits. Pay is based on post‑job‑application evaluation of candidate qualifications and experience.

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to an inclusive workplace where individuals 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.

U.S. Technical Jobs: The position requires access to technology subject to U.S. export controls and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on verifying “U.S. Person” status, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. In the absence of confirmation of U.S. Person status, IonQ may decline to apply for a license or proceed with your application.

U.S. Non‑Technical Jobs: Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee or asylee. Additional questions regarding immigration status will be reviewed for compliance with federal law.