Staff System Architect

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,andAstraZeneca 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.  

What to expect

We are looking for a Staff System Architect to be fully dedicated to the SNSPD product line, with a strong focus on leading the technical architecture and roadmap for our next-generation rack-mountable SNSPD (Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector) platform. This role is critical to defining and guiding the technical evolution of our cutting-edge cryogenic photon detection systems, ensuring architectural coherence across hardware, software, and integration domains while supporting our product vision and market requirements.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you will be an integral part of the development process for IDQ’s SNSPD platform, with applications across quantum computing, networking, and sensing. You will be at the intersection of quantum photonics, cryogenic systems engineering and embedded systems to create scalable, maintainable architectures for autonomous 24/7 detector operations. 

You will take ownership of the end-to-end system architecture of the SNSPD platform, ensuring alignment with a shared long-term product vision while translating product requirements into clear system-level designs and specifications. This includes defining system structure, interfaces, and key architectural decisions, as well as driving critical trade-offs across performance, cost, scalability, and integration. You will also align engineering execution with the architectural vision, guiding system integration and resolving complex cross-domain design challenges.

In addition, you will play a key role in shaping the technology roadmap and driving the evolution of the platform, continuously evaluating and introducing new technologies where relevant to maintain innovation and competitiveness.

• Lead system architecture, design decisions, and cross-functional alignment to ensure a scalable and high-performing SNSPD platform
• Drive technology roadmap, integration, and innovation by evaluating and implementing new technologies

What you'll bring

We are seeking a highly experienced professional with a Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field, and over seven years of experience in system architecture or complex system design. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in multi-domain systems, including photonics, cryogenics, electronics, and embedded or software components, combined with strong system-level thinking and proven experience in integrating complex technologies into cohesive, high-performing solutions.

You will demonstrate strong technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, with the ability to clearly communicate complex system architectures to a wide range of stakeholders. This includes ensuring alignment, supporting informed decision-making, and driving successful collaboration across functions to deliver robust and scalable system designs.

• Extensive experience in system architecture and multi-domain integration, with strong system-level thinking
• Proven technical leadership and communication skills, enabling alignment and effective decision-making across diverse teams

You'll be a great fit with

• PhD in a relevant field
• 10+ years in senior technical or architectural roles
• Experience with SNSPDs, cryogenic, or quantum systems
• Experience with industrialized or rack-mountable systems 

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!