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Lead Microwave Research Scientist

IonQ
Boston, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 11/20/2025 CLOSED ON 12/18/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Microwave Research Scientist position at IonQ?

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ's computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution.

We are looking for a Lead Microwave Research Scientist. As a Microwave Research Scientist, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to work with 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 develop the requirements for microwave circuits that enable new functionalities for quantum devices. You will design, fabricate, and test microwave circuits for electronic control of qubits. You will develop integration techniques for combining these circuits with optical and electronic devices that optimize for system level performance. You will lead efforts to fabricate and test these devices at the foundry scale.

Responsibilities:

  • Work with architecture teams to turn system-level specifications into component-level specifications and design rules
  • Design microwave circuits taking into account target performance, fabrication capabilities, and interactions with other components
  • Fabricate test devices
  • Own relationships with external vendors to scale up fabrication and testing
  • Work with internal test and measurement teams to ensure devices meet target specifications

You'd be a good fit with:

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

You'd be a great fit with:

  • Experience with helping in acquiring independent funding for new initiatives
  • Experience helping with 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

Location: This role will work onsite at our office located in Boston, MA.

Travel: Less than 10% travel

Job ID: 1160

The approximate base salary range for this position is $141,670 - $185,482. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance!

IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don't let this stop you from applying!

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.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!

Salary : $141,670 - $185,482

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