Lead Integrated Photonics Simulation and Layout Engineer

Requirements:

• A PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience designing devices in diamond photonics, thin-film lithium niobate, or ion trap photonics platforms, and proficiency with photonic simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, Tidy3D, or COMSOL).
• Extensive hands-on experience generating layout for integrated photonic circuits, including ownership of full-reticle tapeouts with commercial foundries.
• Deep expertise with Python-based photonic layout tools (e.g., KLayout, gdsfactory, or Luceda IPKISS) and PDK development workflows.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a track record of collaborating effectively across design, fabrication, and test teams.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience developing or supporting PDKs for commercial photonic foundries.
• Proficiency with agentic AI workflows (e.g., Claude Code) to accelerate design and layout work.
• Strong software engineering skills, including Python layout automation, version control, and physical verification (DRC, LVS, ERC).
• Familiarity with architectures for distributed quantum computing, sensing, and networking.
• The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.
• If this role has a commission structure, the compensation range below just reflects the base compensation range.
• 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 401(k), 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.