Chief Engineer

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Team: Business Office

Type: Full-Time

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 Chief Engineer to lead the technical development of one of our products within Engineering at IonQ. As the Chief Engineer, you will drive the technical direction of the product against its requirements and delivery constraints. You will be part of a highly interdisciplinary 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 work collaboratively with Technical Program Management and Product Management to drive the engineering development of our quantum computers. You will contribute across the entire product lifecycle from conceptual design through prototypes and first engineering units to transition the design and technical data packages to manufacturing and production. You will collaborate with a team of atomic physicists, optical engineers, optomechanical engineers, software engineers, electrical engineers, cryptosystem engineers, thermal engineers, test and verification & validation engineers, and technical program managers to deliver verified and validated designs for our upcoming products. You and the team will develop requirements, perform trade studies, design, prototype, and shape the next-generation hardware and software for our quantum computers.

Responsibilities:

1. Lead the technical engineering development of the product against its most important requirements from inception to new product introduction, including the creation of prototypes, engineering units, production designs, and the delivery of technical data packages to manufacturing and production.
2. Work with technical program management and product management to translate business goals and product requirements into actionable development plans with sound technical approaches.
3. Support company-wide goals, OKRs, and technical milestones for technology development, system development, and product initiatives.
4. Work across functional teams, including mechanical systems, software, optical and laser systems, control electronics, system integration, trap development, systems engineering, and architecture, to drive a consistent technical approach to the product design.
5. Support phased gate development, including participation in and leadership of gated reviews.
6. Support technical risk management and the development of risk registers.
7. Serve on the product change control board.
8. Guide design analysis cycles, trade studies, down selections, and iterative product design and development. Support make-buy-partner analysis and strategy.
9. Work with system engineering to deliver verified and validated production designs for our upcoming products.
10. Work with both external and internal research and engineering technology development teams to manage new technology and capability introduction to the product baseline.
11. Work with internal research and engineering technology development teams and subject matter experts to create and maintain technology development and insertion roadmaps, identify missing technology elements and make adjustments in response to customer expectations and new technology developments. Lead at least annual roadmap review and update activity.
12. Provide guidance to the program team and executive leadership team regarding leading-edge vs. bleeding-edge technologies using data and experience-driven inputs for critical decision-making.
13. Communicate development progress and issues to management and the broader organization; communicate strategy developments, provide ongoing executive updates, prioritize initiatives, and escalate roadblocks to executive leadership.
14. Provide inputs to strategic and annual planning, product development direction, and overall business strategy.
15. Assist in the career development of others, including mentoring and supporting more junior engineers and staff.

You’d be a good fit with:

1. Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
2. 15+ years of progressive experience working in an engineering or related discipline in the technology sector, delivering first-of-kind systems and products to customers.
3. Experience in an organization that has experienced substantial growth.
4. Proven technical leadership experience, including gaining the respect of cross-functional engineering and product teams.
5. Demonstrated deep experience in engineering design and analysis.
6. Strong breadth and knowledge of engineering fundamentals across many disciplines ranging from mechanical and optical engineering to electrical and software engineering.
7. Engineering depth in one or more of the following areas: thermal and structural engineering; electrical engineering, RF design, optical and opto-mechanical engineering, software engineering, or micro device fabrication and packaging.
8. Demonstrated experience having built and delivered at least one complex, first-of-a-kind system or hardware product.
9. Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
10. Ability to earn trust, build and maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging culture.
11. Ability to travel 2 to 3 weeks a quarter.

You’d be a great fit with:

1. M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another relevant discipline with 20+ years of industry experience.
2. Demonstrated history and growth in functional and technical management of complex hardware systems.
3. Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions effectively and efficiently.
4. Good knowledge of fixture design, machine and tool shop capabilities and limitations, microfabrication, and manufacturing processes.
5. Knowledge and experience with complex optical systems, lasers, free-space, and fiber-based optical systems and components.
6. High proficiency in standard, modern office and engineering software packages, including Microsoft Office, Google GSuite, Atlassian Jira & Confluence, Slack, Jama, MATLAB, Python, SolidWorks, etc.
7. Capability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance.
8. Knowledge of trapped ion quantum computing systems.

Location: This position can be remote or hybrid, but you should be able to work frequently from our Bothell, WA, office.

The approximate salary range for this position is $232,699 - $304,663.

The base pay component of the offer will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. The total compensation package may include other elements dependent on the position and level. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. Beyond base pay, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component, as well as a range of benefit options which can be found on our site at ionq.co/jobs.

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all, while at the same time 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 in which any individual 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, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, and military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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