--- title: 'QEC Researcher at IonQ' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/qec-researcher-ionq-bothell-4dz4kas7zk0z' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-11-09' --- # QEC Researcher at IonQ - **Company:** IonQ - **Location:** Bothell, WA - **Compensation:** $160k–$240k - **Posted:** 2026-11-05 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-09 - **Apply:** https://ionq.com/job?gh_jid=6240483004 ## Job description About IonQ: [IonQ, Inc](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=https%3A%2F%2Fionq.com%2F&esheet=54451094&newsitemid=20260316477473&lan=en-US&anchor=IonQ%2C+Inc&index=7&md5=0818ffbedc6dbad8c4d1611ac94c2a0f). [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,](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=https%3A%2F%2Fionq.com%2Fnews%2Fionq-speeds-quantum-accelerated-drug-development-application-with&esheet=54451094&newsitemid=20260316477473&lan=en-US&anchor=Amazon+Web+Services%2C&index=8&md5=a7f94ee9b71a392dca3cd6c413722e51)[and](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=https%3A%2F%2Fionq.com%2Fnews%2Fionq-speeds-quantum-accelerated-drug-development-application-with&esheet=54451094&newsitemid=20260316477473&lan=en-US&anchor=and&index=9&md5=2bed627b388878763f41ffe0e4edb16c)[AstraZeneca](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=https%3A%2F%2Fionq.com%2Fnews%2Fionq-speeds-quantum-accelerated-drug-development-application-with&esheet=54451094&newsitemid=20260316477473&lan=en-US&anchor=AstraZeneca&index=10&md5=757c1f2c2ec94cf3982700106122164f) 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](https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=https%3A%2F%2Fionq.com%2Fnews%2Fionq-achieves-landmark-result-setting-new-world-record-in-quantum-computing&esheet=54451094&newsitemid=20260316477473&lan=en-US&anchor=setting+a+world+record+in+quantum+computing+performance&index=11&md5=32e9cb88afbd439026a352666cc72c91). 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. ## Role Overview Role: We are looking for a QEC Researcher to work on quantum error correction. You will 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 contribute to the design of IonQ's fault-tolerant quantum computer by conducting research in quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing. You will design, optimise and simulate quantum error correction codes, decoders and logical operations, which sit at the core of our large-scale quantum computing architecture. Responsibilities: Your research will feed directly into the architecture of our fault-tolerant machines, from the choice of codes and logical operations through to the decoders that run them. You will also help build and extend the simulation tools the quantum error correction team relies on to evaluate new protocols. You will share your results through research papers and conference talks, and work closely with colleagues whose expertise and experience differ from your own. Key responsibilities include: - Contribute to the design of core components of our fault-tolerant quantum computer architecture, such as quantum error correction protocols, logical operations or decoders. - Contribute to the development of the quantum error correction team's simulation tools. - Contribute to research papers. - Collaborate with team members with different areas of expertise and experience. Requirements: To succeed, you will need a PhD in quantum computing, mathematics, physics, computer science or a related field, and around five years of research experience. Strong expertise in QEC simulation and physics simulation, including Stim and Monte Carlo methods, is central to the role. You will be comfortable working across theory and simulation, turning ideas into protocols that can be tested numerically. Conference travel, both domestic and international, is part of the role. You’d be a great fit with: - Strong publications and conference talks in quantum error correction. - Experience in quantum error correction, logical operations and decoders. - A solid mathematical background in linear algebra, finite fields, probability theory, graph theory and the standard techniques used in quantum computing. - Strong expertise with QEC simulation, physics simulation, Stim and Monte Carlo simulations. - The ability to communicate at every level, from the research community to the business to PhD level. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits available on our career site. If this role has a commission structure, the compensation range below just reflects the base compensation range. Wage Transparency: $160,000—$240,000 USD 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! ## About IonQ ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: IonQ develops trapped ion quantum computers and full-stack quantum platforms for computing, networking, sensing, and security, aiming to solve problems beyond the reach of classical systems. - **Entity Type**: Public (NYSE: IONQ) - **Headquarters**: College Park, Maryland, USA (additional offices in Bothell, WA; Toronto, Canada; Basel, Switzerland) - **Founded**: 2015 - **Founders**: Dr. Chris Monroe and Dr. Jungsang Kim ## Core Business - **Primary industries**: Quantum computing, quantum networking, quantum sensing, quantum security, quantum space infrastructure - **Target customers**: Enterprise, government, research institutions, cloud providers (B2B) - **Mission**: “To develop the world’s best quantum technology to solve the world’s most complex problems” and “solve problems that are beyond the reach of classical systems” ## Products & Services - **Quantum Computing**: Trapped ion quantum computers accessible via AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and NVIDIA. Commercial systems with world-record two-qubit gate fidelity (99.99%). - **Quantum Networking**: Quantum key distribution (QKD) and infrastructure for a global quantum internet. - **Quantum Sensing**: Ultra-precise measurement for navigation, medical imaging, and resource discovery. - **Quantum Security**: Secure communications using QKD to protect critical data. - **Quantum Space Infrastructure**: Earth-observation infrastructure with quantum-secure communications for government and allied operators. - **Quantum Fine-Tuning for LLMs**: Hybrid quantum-classical AI model fine-tuning to improve efficiency and pattern recognition. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Publicly traded on NYSE under ticker IONQ; market cap varies with market conditions (not explicitly stated in provided sources). - **Key Metric**: Annual revenue not disclosed; total funding not updated post-IPO (SPAC merger in 2021). - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Early investor New Enterprise Associates. Partners include AstraZeneca, AWS, NVIDIA, Hyundai, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure. Board members include Niccolo de Masi (Chairman & CEO), Robert Cardillo, Bill Teuber, Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond, Bill Scannell. - **Growth Signals**: Aggressive roadmap toward 2 million physical qubits by 2030; partnership with Hyundai for quantum AI in automotive materials; quantum-accelerated drug development with AstraZeneca; quantum fine-tuning for LLMs; opening a site in Göteborg, Sweden; over 108 open positions across multiple domains. ## Competitive Advantages - Trapped ion technology with world-record two-qubit gate fidelity (99.99%). - Full-stack quantum platform available on all major cloud providers. - Breakthrough in quantum-grade diamond thin films enabling industrial-scale manufacturing. - Strong IP portfolio licensed from University of Maryland and Duke University. - Diversification beyond computing into networking, sensing, security, and space infrastructure. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling qubit count to 2 million physical qubits by 2030. - Expanding quantum space infrastructure and quantum security for government customers. - Developing quantum fine-tuning for AI/LLMs to capture higher-dimensional patterns. - Building global presence with new offices in Europe and Canada. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Values include “Quantum Excellence”, “No Ego”, “Invent with Intent”, “One Team, One Mission”. Strong emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; managers held accountable for fostering inclusive environments. - **Compensation & Benefits**: Competitive base salary, performance bonus, equity. Health (medical/dental/vision), HSA, 401(k) with 5% match (2-year vesting), flexible PTO, paid parental leave, mental health benefits via Guardian, legal benefits via MetLife, pet insurance, commuter benefits, free snacks/drinks in offices, IonQ swag. - **Work Environment**: Flexible workplace – remote across 30+ US states; offices in College Park, Bothell, Toronto, Basel. Many employees work from an office multiple days per week. - **Interview Process**: Virtual over Zoom; includes technical screen, career story presentation, 1:1 interviews, behavioral questions using STAR method. Encourages preparation on company values and technology. - **Growth**: 108 open positions (as of search date) in applications, compute, engineering, and technology. Rapidly scaling team with opportunities to shape the quantum future. ## Sources 1. [ionq.com](https://www.ionq.com/) 2. [ionq.com/careers](https://www.ionq.com/careers) 3. [ionq.com/company](https://www.ionq.com/company) 4. [job-boards.greenhouse.io/ionq](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/ionq) 5. [linkedin.com/company/ionq-co](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ionq-co) ## Other roles at IonQ - [Senior Quantum Sales Director - DaaS & Satellite Sales, EMEA](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-quantum-sales-director-daas-satellite-sales-emea-ionq-geneva-b6aqsab4r7qd) — Geneva, Switzerland / Oxford, United Kingdom - [Staff Backend Software Engineer, Cloud Platform](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-backend-software-engineer-cloud-platform-ionq-bothell-wfcpsv6qjbtb) — Bothell, WA - [Senior Microarchitecture Researcher](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-microarchitecture-researcher-ionq-bothell-1jczmtgmn92y) — Bothell, WA - [Staff Scientist - Quantum Characterization & Benchmarking](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-scientist-quantum-characterization-benchmarking-ionq-bothell-rbv5e5hqfjtt) — Bothell, WA / Boulder, CO / College Park, MD / United States - [Electronics Engineering Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/electronics-engineering-manager-ionq-oxford-kakdnntgxwv4) — Oxford, United Kingdom - [Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) Test Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-in-the-loop-hil-test-manager-ionq-oxford-krky271q85kg) — Oxford, United Kingdom - [Principal Software Architect](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-software-architect-ionq-oxford-gaj501bywqhg) — Oxford, United Kingdom - [Technical Programme Manager, Electrical Engineering](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-programme-manager-electrical-engineering-ionq-college-park-750xwy75tdsh) — College Park, MD - [Senior Receiving Inspector](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-receiving-inspector-ionq-oxford-b06daht143fe) — Oxford, United Kingdom - [Staff Technical Programme Manager, Systems Software](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-technical-programme-manager-systems-software-ionq-oxford-kr6xqahra7rq) — Oxford, United Kingdom