Design Engineer - Integrated Photonics

Job Description

Job Title: Staff Design Engineer – Integrated Photonics. Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
(Also open to College Park, MD, hybrid, or fully remote for the right candidate)

As a Staff Design Engineer in Integrated Photonics, you will design, simulate, and optimize photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for next-generation quantum computing systems; You will work closely with physicists & engineers to integrate your photonics designs into our trapped-ion quantum platform.

Responsibilities:

• Design and optimize passive and active PICs, focusing on high-speed modulators and on-chip detectors
• Develop designs that are robust against fabrication variations and support easier testing and packaging
• Build and refine active PIC design workflows that minimize computational resources and speed up simulations
• Use device characterization feedback to improve future designs;
• Collaborate with system, packaging, and test teams to align on device requirements and performance
• Deliver layout files (e.g., .gds, .oas), perform DRC checks, and manage tape-out processes
• Track and resolve technical issues and mitigate risks across development phases;
• Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical team members
• Actively contribute as a team player, supporting testing engineers and physicists with PIC design insights

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Engineering or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in PIC design, simulation, and optimization
• 3+ years of experience with programming tools like Python or MATLAB
• Familiarity with tools like Lumerical, COMSOL, or Flexcompute for PIC simulation
• Experience with scripted layout and mask design;
• Strong data processing and visualization skill;
• Knowledge of fabrication, design constraints, testing, and packaging of photonic devices
• Experience with optimization algorithms for PIC automation

Preferred:

• 7+ years of experience designing PICs with modulators, detectors, amplifiers, and lasers
• 3+ years of industry experienc;
• Experience working with visible-light lasers and on-chip components
• Strong programming skills for layout automation and experimental control
• Familiarity with CAD tools like Autodesk Inventor or SolidWork;
• Understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principle;
• Experience building and using optical test setups, including automation

Compensation:

• Salary Range: $123,191 – $161,289
• Total package includes base salary, bonus, and equity;
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401K match, unlimited PTO, parental leave, legal insurance, home internet stipend, and pet insurance

Additional Information: IonQ has offices in College Park (MD), Bothell (WA), Toronto (Canada), and Basel (Switzerland); Candidates may be required to work near one of these offices, depending on the position; IonQ is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity and inclusion