Research & Development - Characterization Intern

About the role

IonQ, Inc. (NYSE: IONQ) is the world's leading quantum platform and merchant supplier delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. The company’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, helps 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, IonQ 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. Its quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while also meeting 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: Boston, MA (Onsite). Travel: N/A.

Responsibilities

• Build a new measurement setup used for passive integrated photonic devices
• Characterize the setup performance
• Contribute to the automation and analysis software
• Characterize passive photonic devices and disseminate the performance cross‑team

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a PhD in a technical field applicable to integrated photonics or quantum systems
• Have hands‑on experience in characterization of photonic devices or quantum emitters
• Demonstrated coursework and research experience in photonics or quantum computing

Qualifications

• Deep comprehension of quantum technologies and theory
• Proven track record in the characterization of integrated photonic devices
• Familiarity with solid state defects or trapped ions
• Experience simulating optical devices
• Strong programming skills

Pay

The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on the career site. This role is non‑exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with company policies. The listed pay range below reflects the base hourly rate. If this role has a commission structure, the compensation range below just reflects the base compensation range.

Hourly Wage Transparency: $30 - $60 USD

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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Matching 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO and paid holidays
• Parental/adoption leave
• Legal insurance
• Home technology stipend