Director, Integrated Photonics

The salary range for this position is $187,358 - $245,300.

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution. 

We are looking for a Director, Integrated Photonics. As a Director, you’ll be part of a cross-functional Research and Development 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.  This is an exciting opportunity for someone with broad and deep experience leading integrated photonics technology development, as well as someone who is creative, curious, and energized by the idea of building new things.

In this role, you will lead and manage a team focused on research and development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs), and other integrated optical components and systems, to enable successful integration of novel and game-changing technology into IonQ’s future commercial products. You will drive integrated photonics technology development cycles that go from ideation and conceptualization, through design, simulation, mask layout/tapeout, nanofabrication process integration,and device and system characterization and validation, all with the aim of increasing the maturity level of the technology.  Additionally, you will maintain and develop partnerships and collaborations with external organizations, including those in industry, government, and academia, and explore and develop opportunities for external funding for research and development.  You will manage and grow your team and help team members develop professionally.   As a leader at IonQ, you will work cross-functionally with other quantum computer sub-system leads and system integrators, as well as drive strategic and tactical planning alongside senior leadership.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead a team to drive research and development of PICs and other integrated photonics
• Turn trapped ion quantum computer system requirements into integrated photonics development goals, plans, and metrics for success
• Maintain and develop external relationships and collaborations with nanofabrication facilities, centers and/or foundries, as well as with other research and development organizations
• Help develop IonQ’s future trapped ion quantum computer architecture based on the existing and future capabilities of integrated photonics technology
• Perform strategic and detailed planning and budgeting, as well as project management, of multiple parallel technology development projects
• Manage and build a team of engineers and physicists with a diverse technical background ranging from integrated photonics design, layout, fabrication, and test, as well as optical control of and quantum computing with atomic systems
• Explore and develop external funding opportunities to compliment internally supported development projects

You’d be a good fit with: 

• A PhD in Engineering, integrated photonics, or related field, and 15+ years of professional or academic experience
• 5+ years of experience in leading and managing a team or organization in the research and development of integrated photonics technology
• Experience partnering and working with external nanofabrication foundries and facilities
• Demonstrated success of leading and driving maturation of integrated photonics based systems from concept to system integration

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Experience with government grant writing and applications
• Experience with design, simulation, and measurement of integrated-photonic PICs and devices
• Experience working with visible-light laser sources and optics
• Experience with quantum computer and/or atomic, molecular, optical (AMO) systems and control techniques

Location:

This role can be located at any of our following offices, in person or hybrid: College Park, Maryland; Bothell, Washington; or Toronto, Canada. We are open to considering a fully remote option for the right candidate.