Physicist / Physicistess

About IonQ

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our latest quantum computers, IonQ Tempo and IonQ Forte Enterprise, represent cutting-edge technology that has enabled customers and partners such as Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA to achieve remarkable 20x performance results. In 2025, we set a world record in quantum computing performance by achieving 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity.

We are accelerating our technology roadmap with a vision to deliver the world’s most powerful quantum computers featuring 2 million qubits by 2030. This ambitious goal is aimed at revolutionizing fields including drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. Additionally, our advancements in quantum networking position us as a leader in building the quantum internet.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Physicist specializing in Resilience Engineering and Operations to join our state-of-the-art quantum computing team utilizing trapped ion technology. You will be part of a cross-functional team dedicated to the operation and enhancement of IonQ’s industry-leading quantum computers. During your first three months, you will learn how to maintain our quantum computers’ hardware and software. We highly encourage recent graduates in physics and related fields to apply; training in quantum computer maintenance and operation will be provided. This role involves working onsite at our facility in Quantum Basel, with the option to work remotely several days a week at your discretion.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high uptime and performance of our commercial quantum computers through maintenance, monitoring, and engineering interventions.
• Enhance customer experience continuously.
• Automate capabilities to optimize system performance.
• Collaborate with physicists and engineers to develop tools and technologies that improve the performance of current and future commercial systems.
• Participate in follow-the-sun on-call rotations to maintain systems at peak performance.

Qualifications

You would be a good fit if you have:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physics, engineering, or a related physical science.
• A strong desire to work collaboratively within a distributed team, showcasing excellent communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with optical alignments, laser stabilization, and/or AOMs.
• A passion for learning and a fascination with emerging technologies.
• Formal training or education in statistics.
• The ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment.
• A willingness to work flexible hours and participate in 24/7 on-call shift rotations as needed.
• At least 1 year of laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics.

You would be an even greater fit with:

• A PhD in physics, engineering, or another physical science.
• Extensive experience with Javascript or Python.
• A background in data analysis, data science, or machine learning.
• Software engineering experience.

We encourage you to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Location and Travel

This role is based onsite at our facility in Basel, Switzerland, with the option of working remotely a few days a week. Travel requirements are minimal, accounting for less than 10% of the role.