Physicist - Resilience Engineering and Operations / Physicistess - Resilience Engineering and Operations

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world's leading quantum company delivering innovative solutions to tackle the most complex challenges. Our latest generation quantum computers, IonQ Tempo and IonQ Forte Enterprise, represent cutting-edge technology that has empowered partners such as Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA to achieve remarkable performance enhancements. In 2025, we achieved a world record in quantum computing performance with an impressive 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity.

As we advance our technology roadmap, our goal is to develop the world's most powerful quantum computers, targeting 2 million qubits by 2030. This ambitious plan aims to accelerate innovation across various fields, including drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. Our progress in quantum networking further positions IonQ as a leader in constructing the quantum internet.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Physicist - Resilience Engineering and Operations to join our state-of-the-art quantum computing team, which is based on trapped ion technology. You'll collaborate within a cross-functional team focused on operating and enhancing IonQ’s industry-leading quantum computers. Initially, you will learn how to maintain our quantum computers' hardware and software. We welcome recent graduates in physics and related fields; comprehensive training in quantum computer maintenance and operation will be provided. This role will primarily be onsite at our facility in Quantum Basel, with the flexibility to work remotely several days a week at your discretion.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high uptime and performance of our commercial quantum computers through maintenance, monitoring, and engineering practices.
• Enhance the overall customer experience continuously.
• Automate capabilities to optimize system performance.
• Collaborate with physicists and engineers to design tools and technologies that improve the capabilities of current and future commercial systems.
• Participate in follow-the-sun on-call rotations to maintain peak system performance.

Qualifications

You would be a great fit for this role if you possess the following:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physics, engineering, or another physical science.
• A strong desire and capability to work closely with a distributed team; excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset are essential.
• Hands-on experience with optical alignments, laser stabilization, and/or acousto-optic modulators (AOMs).
• A passion for learning and a fascination with emerging technologies.
• Formal training or education in statistics.
• The ability to adapt to an ever-evolving work environment.
• A disposition to work flexible hours, including a 24/7 on-call shift rotation as needed.
• At least 1 year of laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics.

Additionally, you would be a great fit if you have:

• A PhD in physics, engineering, or another physical science.
• Extensive experience with JavaScript or Python.
• A background in data analysis, data science, or machine learning.
• Software engineering experience.

How to Apply

If you believe you would excel in this role, apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Location

This position is based on-site at our facility in Basel, Switzerland, with the option for remote work a few days a week.

Travel

Travel requirements are less than 10%.