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: College Park, MD, onsite
Travel: Less than 10%
Job ID: 1655

The Role:

We are looking for a 1-year intern with AMO physics background and experience in ion trapping. As an intern, you will work alongside other physicists and engineers in the Photonic Interconnects (PI) team within R&D at IonQ’s College Park headquarters, and have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in an exciting and rapidly evolving field of physics application. The PI team is a hands-on team focused on the design, development and instantiation of photonic interconnect systems and protocols to extend IonQ quantum computer system capabilities and to provide the framework for network linkage to other quantum computing systems and to quantum memories, sensing and other quantum devices. In this mission the group works with both internal and external customers and collaborators to advance early-stage technologies to higher levels of technology readiness.

Responsibilities:

You must be authorized to work or study within the United States.
You must be enrolled in an Undergraduate / Masters / PhD science or engineering program relevant to quantum computing, or have recently (within the past 1 year) received a BS/BA or higher degree from a program relevant to quantum computing.

Requirements:

You would be a good fit if you have demonstrated coursework and research experience in quantum computing.
You would be a great fit if you have:

Experience with fabrication or characterization of photonic devices
Experience working with ion traps, ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic systems
Experience simulating optical or microwave devices
Understanding of free-space optics and imaging systems
Experience working with visible-light laser sources and fiber components
Strong programming skills.

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 401K, 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.

Research & Development Intern

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