Senior Photonics Test Engineer

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. Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, with operations in multiple locations worldwide, IonQ's quantum computers are available through major cloud providers. This role will be based on-site at our Boston, MA office, with travel less than 10%. As a Senior Photonics Test Engineer in the Quantum Interconnect Division, you will join a cross‑functional team tasked with building the world's best quantum computers to solve complex problems. You will be responsible for the characterization and test development of on‑chip photonic devices.

Responsibilities

• Design, upgrade, and expand the testing infrastructure for characterizing classical integrated photonics devices and components (passive and active) at chip and wafer level scale, utilizing both room‑temperature and cryogenic setups.
• Develop and perform 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 scripts.
• Conduct characterization using room‑temperature and cryogenic setups and provide data‑driven feedback to design engineers to improve component performance.
• Collaborate with design, packaging, and system teams to optimize testing features and develop a library of testing structures for platform improvement.

Requirements

• 3+ years of professional experience in the hands‑on characterization of PIC devices or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master or Ph.D. in engineering or related field/discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• Programming experience in a general‑purpose programming language (like Python, Matlab, etc.) for test automation.
• Experience with test instrumentation and methods for characterizing classical integrated photonics devices.
• Strong data processing, visualization, and organizational skills.
• Hands‑on experience with room‑temperature optical test setups.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of design and characterization experience of classical integrated photonics devices.
• 3+ years of industry experience.
• Familiarity with free‑space optics and imaging systems.
• Hands‑on experience with cryogenic optical test setups.
• Experience working with laser sources and fiber components.
• Strong programming skills for data analysis and experimental automation software, and experience with version control systems such as git.
• Familiarity with fabrication processes and design constraints for PICs.

Pay

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. Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, experience, office location, and market data.

Benefits

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

Schedule

On‑site position at the Boston, MA office with travel required less than 10% of the time.