Senior Real-Time Embedded Systems Engineer

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 Senior Real-Time Embedded Systems Engineer to join our team. As a Senior 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 and networked systems to solve the world's most complex problems.

In this role, you will focus on the Real-Time Classical Channel, developing the embedded logic necessary to synchronize and control quantum operations at nanosecond precision. You will be responsible for the firmware and logic running on FPGAs to handle critical tasks like nanosecond-level synchronization and "Repeat-Until-Success" feedback loops. This position is essential for providing the hardware abstraction layer that enables the quantum node's operating system to function.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and verify VHDL/Verilog firmware for Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) focusing on the real-time classical control channel.
• Implement nanosecond-level synchronization protocols (e.g., White Rabbit-PTP) to maintain sub-nanosecond precision across distributed hardware systems.
• Design and optimize hardware triggers for immediate photon generation and detection events.
• Engineer the logic necessary for high-speed, low-latency "Repeat-Until-Success" feedback loops critical for quantum operations.
• Define and provide the hardware abstraction layer (registers, interrupts, and memory-mapped controls) consumed by the higher-level QNodeOS developers.
• Collaborate closely with Hardware Engineers to understand board timing constraints, signal paths, and low-level control requirements.
• Own the full FPGA development lifecycle from specification and RTL design to testing, timing closure, and system integration.
• Drive technical decisions on timing architectures and control strategies for the real-time embedded system.
  
  

You'd be a good fit with:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5 years of experience (or equivalent) in high-speed, real-time embedded systems design and FPGA development.
• Deep expertise in RTL design (VHDL or Verilog) and validation for complex, high-performance FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx or Intel).
• Proven experience implementing precise timing and synchronization protocols, such as PTP (Precision Time Protocol), or low-jitter clock distribution networks.
• Experience designing systems with sub-microsecond or nanosecond timing constraints.
• Proficiency in utilizing simulation and synthesis tools for timing closure and formal verification.
• Strong understanding of the complete hardware/software interface, including memory-mapped registers, DMA, and interrupt handling.
  
  

You'd be a great fit with:

• Experience with low-latency communication interfaces (e.g., 10G/40G Ethernet, JESD204B).
• Experience implementing feedback loops or active stabilization systems in real-time firmware.
• Familiarity with hardware/software co-design principles and embedded Linux environments.
• Knowledge of quantum computing, high-precision physics experiments, or photon detection systems.
  
  

Location: This role will work onsite at our offices located in Bothell, WA or Vista, CA.

Travel: Up to 10%

Job ID: 1249

The approximate base salary range for this position is $111,407 - $145,861. 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!