Get roles like this, scored and matched, in your inbox.
Sign up free →Job Opening
Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications (Defense)
IonQ · New Mexico, USA · Posted 9 days ago
Build tailored quantum solutions for defense missions on IonQ trapped-ion computers, from customer problem definition through to peer-reviewed IP.
Location: New Mexico (Remote), USA Travel: 10% to customer sites Job ID: 1946
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.
- 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.
- 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
…
This posting is sourced from IonQ's own career site — applying takes you there directly.
Get roles like this, scored and matched, in your inbox.
Sign up free →Related roles
This role centers on Quantum Applications Development, Python, Qiskit, and C++. There are 127 open roles at IonQ right now.
See this month's Hiring Index: Fabs Are Closing. Design Isn't. for the broader trend behind roles like this one.
Want roles like this found for you?
Set your Focus once. Career Engine screens every new opening every week.
A scored, explained shortlist — not a keyword match — delivered weekly. Free for one profile.