Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications (Defense)
- $160,000–$200,000 per year
About the role
About IonQ:
IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.
Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.
Location: New Mexico (Remote), USA
Travel: 10% to customer sites
Job ID: 1946
The Role:
We are seeking two Staff Scientists – Quantum Applications (Defense) to be founding members of our newly established Customer Solutions team. As a Staff Scientist – Quantum Applications (Defense) you’ll be part of a cross-functional team to enable customers to solve the world’s most complex problems using the world’s best quantum computers.
You will work closely with customers across academia, enterprise, government and national labs to create quantum solutions that are tailored to the missions of the defense sector. As a technical leader, you will originate and deliver on new and surprising quantum applications, serving as a role model and go-to expert for a wide range of stakeholders. This is a hands-on, externally-facing position that puts the customer first. Classical and quantum coding evaluations will be a part of the interview process. US persons only.
Responsibilities:
- Develop impactful hybrid quantum applications that accelerate the adoption of quantum computing for defense-related missions. Partner directly with clients to identify, define, and solve problems using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers.
- Lead integration of quantum algorithms into realistic workflows by translating problem statements into quantum code, solve using quantum computers, and re-integrate into internal, open-source and COTS software tools
- Proactively evolve algorithmic approach with the IonQ hardware roadmap, including the transition from NISQ to FTQC solutions.
- Benchmark quantum algorithm performance against SOTA methods. Map frontier lines / crossover points to communicate with customers.
- Develop portfolio of foundational IP and high-impact-factor peer-reviewed publications; represent IonQ externally with customer/clients and at conferences.
Requirements:
- Doctorate degree in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics or similar STEM field plus 4+ years of professional work experience developing quantum applications that can be applied to defense-related use cases e.g. optimization, AIML, ChemMatBio
- Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications. Contributions to open-source or production-grade codebases a plus
- Experience leading Federal, DefenseTech and Industrial R&D engagements
- Experience tuning quantum algorithms and benchmarking across different quantum modalities, as well as classical SOTA. Expertise in resource estimation and calculating cross-over points.
- Mastery of Python and Qiskit or similar quantum SDK. Working knowledge of C++ or other low-level language
- Evidence of putting customers and mission first, and exceeding expectations
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills
- Must reside in New Mexico
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in the quantum solutions industry e.g. solutions group at quantum computing company or industrial company with a quantum department
- Experience developing software using agentic-AI e.g. Codex, Opus or similar AI assistants including developing rapid prototypes to iterate with customers
- Experience developing well-tuned hybrid quantum algorithms that leverage the strengths of CPU, QPU and QPU
The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.
If this role has a commission structure, the compensation range below just reflects the base compensation range.
Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.
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!