Staff System Architect -SNSPD Systems

About IonQ: IonQ, Inc . [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance . Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before. What to expect We are looking for a Staff System Architect to be fully dedicated to the SNSPD product line, with a strong focus on leading the technical architecture and roadmap for our next-generation rack-mountable SNSPD (Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector) platform. This role is critical to defining and guiding the technical evolution of our cutting-edge cryogenic photon detection systems, ensuring architectural coherence across hardware, software, and integration domains while supporting our product vision and market requirements. We are looking for a proven architect of complex, multi-domain instruments, whether from space systems, astronomical instrumentation, scientific or medical imaging, electron or advanced optical microscopy, semiconductor equipment, or comparable fields who can bring that system-level rigour to our platform. What you'll be doing In this role, you will be an integral part of the development process for IDQ's SNSPD platform, with applications across quantum computing, networking, and sensing. You will be at the intersection of quantum photonics, cryogenic systems engineering and embedded systems to create scalable, maintainable architectures for autonomous 24/7 detector operations. You will take ownership of the end-to-end system architecture of the SNSPD platform, ensuring alignment with a shared long-term product vision while translating product requirements into clear system-level designs and specifications. This includes defining system structure, interfaces, and key architectural decisions, as well as driving critical trade-offs across performance, cost, scalability, and integration. You will also align engineering execution with the architectural vision, guiding system integration and resolving complex cross-domain design challenges. In addition, you will play a key role in shaping the technology roadmap and driving the evolution of the platform, continuously evaluating and introducing new technologies where relevant to maintain innovation and competitiveness. • Lead system architecture, design decisions, and cross-functional alignment to ensure a scalable and high-performing SNSPD platform • Drive technology roadmap, integration, and innovation by evaluating and implementing new technologies What you'll bring We are seeking an experienced professional with a Master's degree (PhD preferred) in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field, and 7+ years of experience in the design of complex, multi-domain systems, with demonstrated ownership of system architecture. The ideal candidate has architected instruments or platforms of comparable complexity, combining optics or photonics with electronics, mechanics or thermal design, and embedded or software components and has proven experience integrating these technologies into cohesive, high-performing products. You will demonstrate strong technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, with the ability to clearly communicate complex system architectures to a wide range of stakeholders. This includes ensuring alignment, supporting informed decision-making, and driving successful collaboration across functions to deliver robust and scalable system designs. • Extensive experience in system architecture and multi-domain integration, with strong system-level thinking • Proven technical leadership and communication skills, enabling alignment and effective decision-making across diverse teams You'll be a great fit with • Background in domains of comparable complexity: space instrumentation, astronomy, high-end microscopy or imaging, semiconductor or scientific equipment • Experience with photonics, low-noise electronics, cryogenics, or vacuum systems • Experience with SNSPDs, single-photon detection, or quantum systems • Experience bringing industrialized or rack-mountable systems to market 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 committe