Staff Electronic Controls Engineer

We are looking for a Staff Quantum Control Hardware Engineer to join our Networking, Sensing, and Security division. As a Staff Engineer, 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 and networked systems to solve the world’s most complex problems.  

In this role, you will design the critical physical layer interface for next-generation quantum networking nodes and high-precision sensing devices. You will build the low-noise, high-precision mixed-signal hardware necessary to control optical sources and read single-photon detectors with the fidelity required for secure quantum communication and entanglement distribution. This is an exciting opportunity to define the hardware architecture that will enable the future of the quantum internet and ultra-secure communications.

Responsibilities: 

• Design and develop low-noise, high-precision mixed-signal circuit boards (DACs/ADCs) to drive optical modulators and laser sources for quantum networking protocols. 
• Engineer ultra-low-noise readout interfaces for single-photon detectors used in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and sensing applications.  
• Ensure hardware designs maintain the signal integrity and coherence required to preserve quantum states during transmission and transduction.  
• Collaborate closely with FPGA Engineers to receive timing specifications and deliver signal conditioning specs for synchronization across network nodes. 
• Lead the full hardware lifecycle from schematic capture and PCB layout to simulation, testing, and system integration within a sensing or security testbed.  
• Troubleshoot complex hardware interactions to minimize phase noise and jitter in networking hardware.  
• Mentor junior hardware engineers and drive technical decision-making regarding the physical layer architecture for security products.

You’d be a good fit with:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience (or equivalent) in mixed-signal hardware design and PCB layout.
• Deep expertise in designing low-noise analog circuits and high-precision instrumentation.  
• Proven experience with high-speed ADCs/DACs and signal conditioning chains.  
• Proficiency with EDA tools for schematic capture and PCB layout (e.g., Altium, Cadence).  
• Strong understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, and grounding in sensitive measurement systems.

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Experience designing hardware for low-latency networks, optical communications, or quantum communications.
• Knowledge of precision sensing applications (e.g., magnetometry, atomic clocks).
• Familiarity with FPGA interfacing for high-speed protocol timing.
• Background in controlling fiber-optic components.

Location: This role will work onsite at our offices located in Bothell, WA or Vista, CA.
Travel: Up to