Staff Engineer - Embedded Software at IonQ

IonQ is developing the worlds 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. 

The salary range for this position is $175,954 - $230,369.

We are looking for a staff software engineer in real-time software to join our controls software team. 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.

The controls software team creates the embedded software that performs this real-time control for our quantum computers. In this role, you will work to expand the real-time control scheduling and control flow of our quantum control system. This role requires working closely with research physicists, hardware engineers, and other software teams at all stages of the software lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, design, architect, develop, test, deploy, maintain and improve major software components, systems, and features for real-time device control

• Write high-quality, well-tested, production-ready code in Rust and other languages

• Assist in the career development of others, providing mentorship on advanced technical issues

• Collaborate with an experienced interdisciplinary staff

• Approach problems pragmatically

• Help us continuously improve how we do thingThe ideal candidate will have experience leading or contributing to multiple simultaneous product development efforts, projects, and initiatives. You’ll be able to balance technical expertise and savvy with strong business judgment to make great technology choices. You’ll strive for simplicity and demonstrate significant creativity and incisive judgment.  

You’d be a good fit with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Math, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience

• 10+ years experience in software development in one or more general purpose programming languages (Python, JavaScript, …), with expert knowledge of at least one systems programming language (e.g. C, C++, Rust) 

• Excellent engineering skills in a few key areas:

o Real-time software development

o FPGA codesign for real-time scheduling

o Classical computing architectures, including superscalar processing

• Experience writing embedded systems software

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• A love of collaborating in an interdisciplinary environment

You’d be a great fit with:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Math, Computer Science, or related technical field

• Proficiency or exposure to higher level programming, such as Python development and CI/CD pipelines

• Experience analyzing software determinism through various hardware components and creating deterministic real-time software 

• Knowledge of Yocto, Buildroot, or other embedded packaging systems

• Experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other hardware test equipment