Quantum Network Support Engineer

IonQ•Chattanooga, TN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

IonQ builds quantum network data centers as a distinct product line, providing infrastructure that enables researchers and customers to run distributed quantum experiments. We're looking for a Quantum Network Support Engineer to join our team supporting these networks once they're built and handed off. This role can be hands-on. You'll work with fiber optics, photon detectors, interferometers, and other quantum network hardware in both lab and datacenter environments. You'll also work directly with customers, helping translate their experimental needs into working network topologies. Candidates with backgrounds in photonics, fiber optics, optical engineering, or physics are encouraged to apply. The role normally involves about 25% travel to customer sites, including international travel. Commissioning phases may require longer continuous periods on site.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, or a related science.
Hands-on comfort with fiber optic handling: connectors, cleaning, and slack management.
Familiarity with basic networking concepts: IP addressing, subnets, interfaces, LAN/WAN.
Strong written and verbal communication. You'll support users ranging from graduate students to principal investigators across technical and non-technical contexts.
A systematic troubleshooting mindset. Able to isolate a problem methodically and comfortable saying "I don't know, let me find out."
Desire to learn and improve through training and self-study.
Willingness to work flexible hours and travel to customer sites, including extended periods on site during commissioning.

Nice To Haves

Experience with optical test equipment: OTDR, optical power meters, fiber scopes, and visual fault locators.
Hands-on lab experience in quantum or classical optics.
Working knowledge of quantum networking concepts.
Experience with Python or other scripting languages.
A background in data analysis or data science.
Background in atomic or optical physics. Experience with laser stabilization, AOMs, or vacuum systems is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Maintain quantum network hardware, including fiber interconnects, passive optical components, and control electronics in datacenter rack environments.
Assist in commissioning new quantum network deployments at customer sites, including extended on-site assignments as networks come online.
Characterize network performance after changes using instruments such as OTDRs, power meters, polarimeters, and photon detectors.
Respond to support tickets to troubleshoot network faults: trace logical and physical signal paths, isolate root causes, resolve issues or implement workarounds, and communicate changes to affected customers.
Consult with researchers and customers on network topology design: translating experimental requirements into loss-budgeted fiber path plans that account for distance, polarization, and timing constraints.
Document network configurations, characterization data, and procedures in a clear and accessible way.