Senior Systems Architect

Oxford Ionics•College Park, MD

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

Quantum is now, and it's built here. Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world-leading trapped-ion technology, we’re building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today’s supercomputers cannot solve. Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology - faster, at scale, and with real world impact. What to expect: This is a hands-on Systems Architect role focused on shaping the next generation of trapped-ion quantum computers built around electronic qubit control. You’ll sit at the centre of science and engineering, working across disciplines in a rapid feedback environment where architectural decisions are continuously refined as data comes in. The Systems Architecture team drives longer-term technical direction, translates system goals into actionable engineering requirements, and closes the loop between what we learn in build/test and the next iteration of the architecture. In this role you will help ensure the overall system design remains coherent, scalable, and grounded in practical engineering constraints as programmes evolve. What you’ll be responsible for: You will be responsible for architecting next-generation trapped-ion quantum computers based on electronic qubit control technology. By addressing system-level questions about quantum computer design and performance, you will make informed decisions on how to distribute complexity between subsystems and back them up with technical feasibility analyses.

Requirements

PhD in Physics, EE, Computer Science, or a closely related field, with 3+ years academic or industrial experience in quantum computing.
Broad understanding across the quantum stack, with deep familiarity with how quantum hardware works in practice.
Hands-on experience contributing to the design, operation, or experimental characterisation of quantum hardware.
Strong analytical and scientific computing skills, with the ability to back architectural decisions with evidence
Clear written and verbal communication skills, able to explain complex system trade-offs to varied technical audiences.

Responsibilities

Own system-level architecture work: define requirements, interfaces, and integration assumptions across the stack.
Translate system goals into clear engineering specifications and work packages for domain teams (e.g., electronics, controls/software, experimental hardware).
Make and document trade-off decisions between subsystems (performance, reliability, scalability), supported by evidence and analysis.
Partner closely with engineering and science teams through design, manufacture, operation, and characterisation of new systems; updating architectural plans in response to experimental findings.
Communicate complex technical decisions clearly to varied technical audiences, enabling fast alignment and scalable execution.