Senior Mechanical Engineer

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 Staff Cryogenic Engineer for our Mechanical Systems team. As a member of the Engineering organization, you’ll 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 collaborate with a highly interdisciplinary team of atomic physicists, optical engineers, opto-mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, cryosystem engineers, thermal engineers, and program managers to influence, design, and build our upcoming products. You will contribute across the entire product lifecycle from conceptual design through first engineering units. You’ll develop requirements, perform trade studies, and design our current and next generation hardware for our quantum computers.

Responsibilities:

• Design, analyze, build, test, and integrate mechanical systems for quantum computers
• Distill design requirements, develop prototypes, test and analyze designs, and perform design iterations on complex parts and assemblies
• Design enclosures to isolate components from environmental fluctuations, e.g. thermal, acoustic, air pressure, etc.
• Design custom components to mitigate effects due to static or dynamic mechanical loads, thermal effects, and vibration
• Model system dynamics including modal analysis, heat transfer and thermal stresses, loads, vibration, CFD, failure mechanisms, and aging to optimize designs and system performance
• Characterize performance of mechanical systems and impact of environmental factors
• Interact with suppliers, collaborate with supply chain sourcing, foster partnerships for critical development and risk reduction

You’d be a good fit with:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another relevant degree
• 10+ years of experience with the mechanical design of custom and rack-mounted electronics enclosures, CFD analysis, thermal management, test and characterization of hardware
• The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, analytic, detail-oriented, possesses quantitative analysis skills, is self-motivated, a great team member, able to proactively communicate with peers at all levels, delivering excellence in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communications and presentation skills are required
• Strong background in design, mechanical analyses, thermal and structural engineering, cable management and routing, build, and integration
• Comfortable being hands-on in a lab environment; good at in-situ instrumentation for thermal characterization
• Experience performing mechanical design of complex electronics, and electromechanical devices from thermal management complex cables interconnect perspectives for complex custom and rack-mounted electronics, comprising custom and COTS; familiar with thermal analysis results interpretation and modifying design/test accordingly; solid understanding of thermal management, thermal interfaces, and convection/conduction mechanisms
• Experience with performing shock and vibrational analysis to validate the structural integrity of the unit under test
• Experience with mechanical design and analyses of software tools such as SolidWorks, ANSYS Fluent, ANSYS IcePak, COMSOL
• Good knowledge of fixture design, machine shop capabilities, and manufacturing processes
• Familiar with thermal and mechanical metrology tools to characterize various performance parameters, e.g., thermal conductivity, emissivity, air velocity, etc
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.

You’d be a great fit with:

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another relevant discipline
• 15+ years of industry experience; proven experience in packaging and implementation of hardware with thermal management considerations is of paramount importance
• Experience with the design and implementation of thermal and cable management systems in data centers is an asset
• Knowledge and experience with complex optical systems, lasers, free-space optical systems and components
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work well with customers, suppliers, and in a team environment

Our HQ is located in College Park, Maryland and we are a 15 minute metro ride from Washington DC. We have also recently announced our new manufacturing and production facility in the Seattle, Washington area. We are actively building out teams in the Washington D.C., Seattle and Toronto metro areas and will want to locate you in one of these geographies. However, IonQ will be expanding into additional geographies both domestically and internationally so don’t let this stop you from applying.

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all, while at the same time 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 in which any individual 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, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, and military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

The base pay component of the offer will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. The total compensation package may include other elements dependent on the position and level. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. Beyond base pay, total compensation includes a range of health insurance options and other benefits which can be found on our site at ionq.co/jobs. Some of our benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, home internet stipend, a generous PTO plan, parental/adoption leave, 401K, dental and vision plans and paid holidays. The salary range for this position is $171,703.80 to $200,321.10.

If you are interested in being a part of this team and mission, we encourage you to apply.