Is the Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design role remote?

No — this is an on-site role in Boulder, Colorado, United States.

What's the salary range?

IonQ lists $110,336–$144,459 for this role.

Where is the role based?

IonQ is hiring for this position in Boulder, Colorado, United States.

What's the tech stack?

Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: ion transport, numerical simulations, quantum computing, waveform design.

What seniority level is this role?

IonQ targets mid-level candidates for this position.

Is this full-time or contract?

Full-time for this Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design role at IonQ.

Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design at IonQ

Joblaze summary

In this role, the physicist focuses on the simulation and design of ion transport and control waveforms for quantum computing applications. Key skills include a strong background in atomic physics, experience with RF Paul traps, and proficiency in numerical simulations and scientific programming. This position is ideal for candidates with a PhD or equivalent experience, particularly those who have worked with experimental hardware. The team emphasizes collaboration across disciplines to enhance the development of next-generation quantum systems.

Joblaze insights

Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 3, 2026. Last confirmed on IonQ's careers page October 3, 2026.
This exact title is also open at 1 other location at IonQ: Boulder, Colorado, United States.
Salary band is below the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$126,887).
Starts above 55% of 1308 comparable mid other roles in United States we track (median $105,000 across 182 companies).
quantum computing appears in 0.1% of 3065 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in Boulder, Colorado, United States.
What's the salary range?: IonQ lists $110,336–$144,459 for this role.
Where is the role based?: IonQ is hiring for this position in Boulder, Colorado, United States.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: ion transport, numerical simulations, quantum computing, waveform design.
What seniority level is this role?: IonQ targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design role at IonQ.

From the original posting

About IonQ:

We are looking for a physicist to join our Ion Transport and Waveform Design team. As a simulation physicist, 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 study the physics of ion transport. You will collaborate with experimental teams to validate simulation results and physics understanding, commercial teams to design transport waveforms used in our quantum computers, and quantum architects to inform the design of next-generation ion traps.

Responsibilities:

Develop novel control schemes for fast, robust, and low-excitation ion transport.
Design and optimize control waveforms to perform operations such as ion loading, transport, qubit routing, and gate operations.
Simulate the physics of ion chains in the RF Paul traps at the heart of our systems.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams comprising physicists, engineers, and researchers to integrate ion transport into larger experimental setups or commercial products. Effectively communicate technical concepts, design rationale, and experimental results to stakeholders through reports, presentations, and documentation.
Collaborate with quantum architects to co-design transport operations, novel trap designs, and quantum error correction (QEC) primitives for future commercial systems.

You’d be a good fit with:

PhD in atomic physics, quantum information, or a related field with experience operating or supporting experimental hardware or equivalent experience.
Background in designing or operating surface electrode RF Paul traps.
Proficiency in numerical physics simulations.
Strong communication and collaboration skills

You’d be a great fit with: (Desired experiences/skills 5-10 bullets)

Strong understanding of fundamental principles governing ion trap operation, including electrostatics, quantum mechanics, and ion dynamics.
Proficiency with scientific programming and numerical optimization.
Experience with transport or waveform design in surface-electrode RF Paul traps.
Experience using a compiled programming language (Rust, C, C++, etc.) for scientific computing.

Location: This role will work onsite in Boulder, CO
Travel: Up to 10% (domestic and international)
Job ID: 1422

The approximate base salary range for this position is $110,336 - $144,459. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

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.

Standard company text repeated across IonQ's postings is omitted here.

Physicist - Ion Transport and Waveform Design

Similar positions