Senior Photonic Test Development Engineer

About IonQ IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and foundry - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the Superion, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems. Earlier systems have helped customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA achieve a 20x performance increase over previous quantum solutions 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 across North America, Latin America, EMEA, and APAC. Our quantum computing services have been available through all major cloud providers since 2021, 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. Learn more at IonQ.com.

IonQ

The world's leading quantum platform and foundry

Quantum ComputingQuantum Information ProcessingQuantum AlgorithmsQuantum ApplicationsQuantum PhysicsOpticsPhotonicsArtificial IntelligenceMachine LearningSoftware

I

ionq.com

1,001-5,000 employees

Computers and Electronics Manufacturing

College Park, Maryland

Public Company

95k LinkedIn followers

Raised $3.8B

• We are looking for a Senior Photonic Test Development Engineer to join our Quantum Interconnect Division. As a Senior Photonic Test Development Engineer, 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 be responsible for the design, upgrade, and expansion of the optical testing infrastructure for characterizing on-chip optical devices, utilizing both room-temperature and cryogenic setups. The ideal candidate is someone who is a detail-oriented problem solver with strong teamwork skills.
• Design, upgrade, and expand the testing infrastructure for characterizing classical and quantum integrated photonics devices and components (passive and active) at chip and wafer level scale, utilizing both room-temperature and cryogenic setups.
• Develop and document robust testing procedures for component-level characterization.
• Automate the test pipeline, including instrument setup, data acquisition, and analysis, while maintaining high-quality, scalable, and well-tested characterization flows.
• Collaborate with design, packaging, and system teams to optimize testing features and develop a library of test flows for platform improvement.

Required

• 3+ years of professional experience in optical spectroscopy, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master or Ph.D. in engineering, physics, or a related field/discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with test instrumentation and methods for room-temperature optical test setups
• Strong data processing, visualization, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with free-space optics and imaging systems.
• Experience working with laser sources and fiber components.
• Programming experience in a general-purpose programming language (like Python, Matlab, etc.) for test automation.

Preferred

• 5+ years of design and characterization experience of classical integrated photonics devices.
• Hands-on experience with cryogenic optical test setups.
• Hands-on experience with characterizing integrated photonics devices.
• The approximate base salary range for this position is $126,887 - $166,127. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.
• 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.
• 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!

• Medical plan
• Dental plan
• Vision plan
• 401(k) matching
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid holidays
• Parental leave
• Adoption leave
• Legal insurance
• Home technology stipend