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 Senior Staff Engineer to join our Facilities team to help shape the environments where next-generation quantum computers are built. In this role, you’ll lead the design, installation, and performance of the mechanical, electrical, and control systems across our global portfolio of facilities. You’ll partner closely with hardware, research, and operations teams to ensure our labs and technical spaces operate with the precision and reliability quantum computing demands.
The ideal candidate has deep mechanical or electrical engineering expertise and a track record supporting complex, mission-critical environments such as semiconductor, cleanroom, advanced manufacturing, or high-precision R&D labs.
Responsibilities:
Technical Engineering & System Design
- Set technical direction and oversee the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repair of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, ensuring adherence to design specifications and performance requirements.
- Define and support Building Automation Systems (BAS) implementation and operations across sites and programs.
- Specify and oversee the installation of advanced instrumentation and monitoring systems for electrical power quality, consumption, and performance.
- Conduct rigorous system analysis of electrical infrastructure, including load calculations, short-circuit analysis, and arc flash hazard assessments.
Operational Support for Technical Spaces
- Partner with engineering, operations, and manufacturing teams to ensure building systems meet strict operational requirements, supporting technical lab and manufacturing spaces.
- Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting guidance to maintenance and operations teams on complex mechanical and/or electrical issues.
- Support engineering and sales teams by defining facility requirements for customer installations of our quantum computer systems.
System Performance, Monitoring & Compliance
- Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for building systems including lab and office environmental conditions, control systems, key equipment, and utilities.
- Conduct regular inspections of facilities to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance of systems.
- Ensure strict compliance with applicable building codes, standards and regulations.
Vendor & Project Coordination
- Provide technical oversight and direction to external contractors and vendors for installations, repairs, and maintenance of building systems.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation of all building system activities and modifications.
You’d be a good fit with:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering with a specialization in facility/building systems.
- Minimum of 13 yrs experience supporting highly technical environments.
- Experience in a high-tech manufacturing, semiconductor, or quantum computing research environment with critical building systems and managing critical clean room environmental requirements.
- Deep expertise in mechanical systems design (HVAC, process piping, equipment layout) and critical environmental control for labs/cleanrooms.
- Strong knowledge of electrical codes and standards (NEC, IEEE, NFPA 70E) and complex electrical infrastructure.
- Experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and building automation systems (BAS).
- Experience defining and implementing MEP standards and engineering requirements.
- Experience managing large-scale, technically complex projects with minimal oversight.
- Proficiency in facility management software (CMMS) and tools.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering and operations teams.
You’d be a great fit with:
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
- Certifications & licenses – active Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®).
- Certifications in specific electrical systems or safety standards (e.g., Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional).
- Experience designing and implementing complex electrical distribution, protection, and control systems.
Location: This role will be located at our facility in College Park, MD.
Travel: Up to 20% for specific periods, Domestic and International
Job ID: 1274
The approximate base salary range for this position is $147,712 - $192,621. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.
Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance!
IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!
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!