Real-Time Embedded Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Real-Time Embedded Systems Engineer. Location: Bothell, Washington, Vista, California

IonQ is seeking a Senior Real-Time Embedded Systems Engineer to work on the real-time classical control systems that operate and synchronize quantum hardware; This role is critical to enabling nanosecond-level control and feedback for quantum operations.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and verify FPGA firmware using VHDL or Verilog
• Build real-time classical control logic with nanosecond-level precision
• Implement high-precision timing and synchronization protocols such as PTP and White Rabbit
• Develop low-latency hardware triggers for photon generation and detection
• Create fast feedback loops such as repeat-until-success control logic;
• Define hardware abstraction layers including registers, interrupts, and memory-mapped interfaces
• Collaborate with hardware engineers on timing, signal paths, and board-level constraints
• Own the full FPGA development lifecycle from design to system integration
• Lead architectural decisions for timing and control systems

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in real-time embedded systems or FPGA development
• Strong experience with RTL design using VHDL or Verilog
• Hands-on experience with high-performance FPGAs such as Xilinx or Intel
• Proven background in precise timing and synchronization systems;
• Experience working with nanosecond or sub-microsecond timing constraints
• Proficiency with simulation, synthesis, and timing closure tools
• Strong understanding of hardware and software interfaces, including DMA and interrupts

Preferred:

• Experience with low-latency communication interfaces such as 10G or 40G Ethernet
• Experience implementing real-time feedback or stabilization systems
• Familiarity with hardware and software co-design;
• Experience working with embedded Linux environments
• Basic knowledge of quantum computing systems, photon detection, or precision physics experiments

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range: $111,407 to $145,861 per year;
• Total compensation includes base salary, performance bonus, and equity
• Compensation varies based on location, experience, and skills

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Unlimited paid time off and paid holidays
• Parental and adoption leave;
• Legal insurance
• Home internet stipend
• Pet insurance