Demo

Simulation Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design

IonQ
Boulder, CO Full Time
POSTED ON 4/13/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/12/2026
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 Simulation Physicist to join our Ion Transport and Waveform Design team. As a simulation physicist, 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 to solve the world's most complex problems.

In this role, you will study the physics of ion transport through numerical simulation. You will collaborate with experimental teams to validate simulation results and physics understanding, commercial teams to design transport waveforms used in our quantum computers, and quantum architects to inform the design of next-generation ion traps.

Responsibilities:

  • Create, update, and maintain numerical simulation tools for ion transport in RF Paul traps.
  • Validate simulation results in collaboration with experimental teams.
  • Develop novel control schemes for fast, robust, and low-excitation ion transport.
  • Deliver control voltage waveforms that implement the required operations for a trapped-ion quantum computer.
  • Work with trap designers to incorporate novel transport techniques into future systems.

You'd be a good fit with:

  • PhD in atomic physics, quantum information, or a related field.
  • Experience in numerical simulation and optimization to inform experimental design.
  • Strong proficiency in programming and data analysis.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

You'd be a great fit with:

  • Experience with transport or waveform design in surface-electrode RF Paul traps.
  • Experience using a compiled programming language (Rust, C, C , etc.) for scientific computing.

Location: This role will work onsite in Boulder, CO or Oxford, UK.

Travel: Up to 10% (domestic and international)

Job ID: 1422

The approximate base salary range for this position is $110,336 - $144,459. 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 : $110,336 - $144,459

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Simulation Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Simulation Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$80,614 - $128,927
Income Estimation: 
$74,048 - $101,143
Income Estimation: 
$70,620 - $94,639
Income Estimation: 
$91,114 - $126,315
Income Estimation: 
$99,598 - $128,732
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at IonQ

  • IonQ College Park, MD
  • About IonQ: IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world's leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world's most complex problems. IonQ's newest g... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • IonQ College Park, MD
  • About IonQ: IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world's leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world's most complex problems. IonQ's newest g... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • IonQ College Park, MD
  • About IonQ: IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world's leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world's most complex problems. IonQ's newest g... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • IonQ College Park, MD
  • About IonQ: IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world's leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world's most complex problems. IonQ's newest g... more
  • 9 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Simulation Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design jobs in the Boulder, CO area that may be a better fit.

  • Teton Petroleum Transport llc Grand Junction, CO
  • Teton Petroleum Transport (TPT) is currently seeking an experienced Fuel Transport Driver. This role will load, haul, and deliver fuel for our customers in... more
  • 23 Days Ago

  • Closets By Design Lafayette, CO
  • Are you a “people person?” Are you creative, with good communication skills and like helping people? Closets by Design is hiring designers/sales representa... more
  • 1 Day Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!