Senior Systems and Network Engineer

Job description

IonQ is a leading quantum computing company focused on developing and operating quantum computers.

Location: College Park, MD with the option to work a few days a week remotely.

Travel: Up to 15%.

The Role

Senior Systems and Network Engineer responsible for the classical infrastructure that directly supports quantum hardware builds and operation at the College Park site. The role involves provisioning servers and system heads that control quantum hardware, maintaining lab and datacenter networking, and integrating bespoke scientific hardware such as cameras and laser control systems.

Responsibilities

Provision Linux servers and system heads for quantum hardware builds, including PXE boot, OS installation, and automated configuration.

Build and maintain infrastructure‑as‑code for server and network provisioning (Ansible, Kickstart, Foreman, Packer, Terraform, or equivalent) to ensure reproducible systems.

Design, configure, and troubleshoot networking for lab and datacenter environments: VLANs, managed switches, firewalls, and structured cabling.

Integrate non‑standard scientific and lab hardware into the compute environment, including cameras, laser control systems, and custom device drivers.

Use IPMI/BMC and other out‑of‑band tools to manage a growing fleet of servers without physical intervention on every failure.

Define and document handoff criteria for when a system is ready to pass to the experimental teams.

Diagnose and resolve infrastructure issues that block hardware builds or experimental runs, treating urgency accordingly.

Partner with software, DevOps, and hardware engineering teams to understand new system requirements before arrival.

Write runbooks and documentation so that provisioning knowledge is stored in a repo, not in one person’s head.

Requirements

6+ years of hands‑on systems, network, or infrastructure engineering experience; not a supervisory role.

Hands‑on experience configuring and troubleshooting switches, firewalls, routers, and on‑prem servers in a production environment.

Experience configuring VLANs and managed‑switch environments with direct ownership of network troubleshooting.

Experience building or rebuilding provisioning workflows using infrastructure‑as‑code or automation tooling such as Ansible, Salt, Kickstart, Foreman, Cobbler, or Packer.

Experience integrating non‑standard or custom hardware into a compute environment (scientific instrument, specialist peripheral, or device with a custom driver).

Working knowledge of IPMI/BMC and out‑of‑band server management.

Strong scripting ability in Python, Go, or an equivalent language.

Comfort operating in an environment where infrastructure failure directly blocks work, with playbooks still evolving.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing large on‑prem compute infrastructure at scale (bare‑metal cloud, colocation, high‑density compute).

Experience with Kubernetes or container orchestration on bare‑metal or hybrid environments.

Experience with configuration drift detection and enforcement, and ability to explain idempotency verification in provisioning pipelines.

Familiarity with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid on‑prem/cloud environments.

Experience in a research, national lab, or scientific compute environment.

Prior exposure to quantum computing or another deep‑tech hardware domain (not required; hands‑on infrastructure experience is paramount).

Compensation: Base salary $126,887 – $166,127. Total compensation includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options. Pay may vary based on education, qualifications, experience, location, and market data.

Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) matching, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Detailed plans will be provided upon offer.

Export Control Compliance

Candidates for this role must be U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or legally admitted refugees/asylees) or meet the applicable U.S. export control and government contract requirements. Verification of U.S. Person status is mandatory.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At IonQ, we are committed to fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all. We actively foster a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. IonQ is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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Worksite address

college park, MD, 20741, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.