Optical Integration Engineer
IonQ · Bothell, United States +1 · 2mo ago
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, and AstraZeneca 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.
Location: This role is based at our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.
Travel: Up to 25%, domestic.
Job ID: 1751
The Role:
We are seeking an Optical Integration Engineer to join the Quantum Networking team at IonQ. This critical role entails subsystem integration of optical, mechanical, and electrical components into complex systems. Hands-on experience is required, as well as the ability to follow work instructions, develop new procedures, perform measurements, and work closely with engineering teams to troubleshoot problems and develop processes. Mechanical assembly, optical alignments, electronics mounting, and cable routing experience is ideal.
Responsibilities:
- Perform precision optical alignment and integration of components and assemblies
- Follow and execute work instructions and alignment procedures
- Support the development and improvement of assembly and alignment processes
- Perform inspection and measurement of optomechanical assemblies
- Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot alignment and performance issues
- Maintain accurate documentation for traceability
- Handle sensitive optical hardware in accordance with cleanroom and contamination control standards
- Integration of diverse optical systems, such as free-space optical communication systems, fiber-based systems, and high-power laser applications
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and control engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of optical subsystems
- Integration of control electronics and routed systems
Technical Skills
- Proven experience in optical assembly or optical instrument manufacturing, preferably in aerospace, photonics, medical devices, or precision equipment
- Strong experience with precision alignment and metrology tools such as:
- Autocollimators
- Beam Profilers
- Shearing interferometers
- Optical power meters
- Infrared cameras and sensors
- Interferometers for surface quality and wavefront error measurements
- Polarimeters
- Excellent manual dexterity and precision handling of delicate optical components, and small precision components
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, exploded diagrams, and optical assembly procedures
- Experience with cleanroom operations (ISO 5 to ISO 8), ESD control, laser safety, and contamination-sensitive environments
- Understanding of optomechanical interfaces, including lens mounts, kinematic mounts, fiber collimators, alignment stages
- Experience with optical cleaning procedures and handling techniques
- Familiarity with measurement and inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, torque tools)
Requirements:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 2–5 years of experience in optical components, aerospace, optical communications, photonics, or precision optics manufacturing
- Experience in an assembly, integration, or optical alignment environment
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Computer literacy (Microsoft Office, data entry systems, basic Linux)
- Maintains a clean & organized workspace
- Ability to travel up to 30% of the time
Soft Skills
- Extremely detail-oriented with a rigorous and disciplined mindset
- Strong documentation and traceability skills
- Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
- High reliability, accountability, and ownership
- Excellent cross functional communication and collaboration skills in a diverse team environment
- Mission-driven and team-oriented mindset
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Ability to effectively present data and results
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years of experience in optical components, aerospace, optical communications, photonics, or precision optics manufacturing
- Experience with optical alignment techniques, bench-top setups, and complex optical systems
- Experience in R&D environments
- Experience with mechanical and optical bonding & adhesives
- Enthusiasm to work with engineering to improve/develop work instructions, providing feedback, and experience in technical writing
- Experience working closely with optomechanical or mechanical engineers to set requirements including necessary degrees of freedom in a design
- Knowledge of optical and mechanical design and manufacturing processes
- Experience with product development lifecycle including design verification, design validation, and design maturation
- Demonstrated experience with industry and design best practices
- Experience developing specifications for optical/optomechanical/optoelectronic components and assemblies
- Experience with optical design software (e.g., ZEMAX) and mechanical design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX).
- Mechanical integration experience including, chiller systems, mechanical structures, pressurized, cryogenic, and high vacuum systems
- Familiarity with cable and fiber optic harnessing
- Experience with data analysis or processing tools such as, MATLAB or Python
The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.
If this role has a commission structure, the compensation range below just reflects the base compensation range.
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!