At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and maintain cutting-edge quantum computers while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Company: Join IonQ, the leader in quantum computing innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, unlimited PTO, and comprehensive health plans.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of quantum technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong background in physics or engineering with hands-on technical experience.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
About IonQ: IonQ, Inc. 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.
The Role: We are looking for a Physicist, System Operations to join our Resilience Engineering & Operations team at IonQ. In this role you will operate, maintain and improve our trapped-ion quantum computers, contributing to the team's mission of keeping our quantum systems running reliably, safely and effectively. You will take ownership of system maintenance and day to day operational performance, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure our commercial and development systems remain available and well understood. This role sits at the intersection of physics, hardware operations and system reliability, and will help shape how we scale operational excellence across our quantum platforms. This is an on-site role based in Oxford, working alongside colleagues in Bothell, College Park and Daejeon.
Responsibilities:
- You will work on the day to day operation, monitoring, maintenance and optimisation of complex quantum systems, supporting the effective delivery of high-performing commercial and development hardware.
- You will have the opportunity to improve uptime, strengthen maintenance practices and build a deeper operational understanding of system behaviour through hands-on work, data interpretation and close collaboration with technical teams across the business.
- Participate in follow-the-sun on-call rotations to support uptime and respond to system issues as they arise.
- Take ownership of regular and emergency maintenance activities to keep systems running reliably.
- Build and maintain observability, automation and operational practices that improve system performance and resilience.
- Interpret telemetry and system behaviour to diagnose issues, guide troubleshooting and improve hardware understanding.
- Work collaboratively across teams, time zones and occasionally locations, including coordinating access, communicating status and supporting training where needed.
Requirements: To be successful you will need a strong experimental background in physics, optical engineering or a related physical science discipline, along with hands-on experience working with complex technical systems in a lab or hardware environment. We are looking for someone who can operate carefully in a fast-moving setting, communicate well across teams, and take practical ownership of keeping systems running.
Preferred Qualifications: You'd be a great fit with:
- A Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in physics, engineering or another relevant physical science discipline.
- Hands-on experience in atomic, optical or closely related experimental environments, including optical setups, alignment and maintenance of complex hardware systems.
- Strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work effectively with distributed teams and varied stakeholders.
- Flexibility to work as part of an on-call rotation, with regular on-site presence in Oxford and the ability to travel occasionally if required.
- Experience with telemetry, data analysis, scripting or software tools such as Python or Rust, and ideally exposure to RF, analog, digital or precision control systems.
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.
Physicist, Resilience Engineering & Operations in Oxford employer: IonQ
IonQ is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture in the heart of Oxford, UK. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer stock options, private medical and dental insurance, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally in a fast-paced tech environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Physicist, Resilience Engineering & Operations in Oxford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Physicist, Resilience Engineering & Operations role you’re after at IonQ.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at IonQ a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at IonQ.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Physicist, Resilience Engineering & Operations in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Physicist, Resilience Engineering & Operations, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at IonQ a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to IonQ specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at IonQ
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with IonQ, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like IonQ want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
