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Quantum Applications Scientist - Energy Use Cases

IonQ

IonQ

IT
Chattanooga, TN, USA
USD 123,191-161,289 / year + Equity
Posted on Dec 18, 2025

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution.

We’re looking for a Quantum Applications Scientist – Energy Use Cases who will be part of a cross-functional team at IonQ whose mission is to deliver the world’s best quantum solutions, on the world’s best quantum computers, to solve the world’s most complex and impactful problems. You will be a founding member of a new IonQ site based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and will work closely with collaborators, customers, and the community to create new hybrid quantum applications that will bring innovation and economic impact to the energy sector.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop novel hybrid quantum algorithms, applications and end-to-end workflows that will make a technical, commercial and societal impact, with a focus on the energy sector
  • Contribute knowledge of state-of-the-art classical and quantum algorithms to evaluate and communicate pros and cons, scaling behavior, trade-offs, cross-over points, etc.
  • Work directly with customers and partners in the Chattanooga and greater Tennessee quantum ecosystem to define and solve problems of real-world interest using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers
  • As a founding member of the new IonQ site located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, take an active role in building the tools, processes, culture and community that will continue for generations to come.

You’d be a good fit with:

  • Doctorate degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or other STEM domain, or equivalent work experience.
  • 3+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Hands-on expertise developing quantum algorithms that have the potential to transform the energy sector e.g. unit commitment, contingency planning, network optimization, materials modeling (solar, battery, superconducting), HHL, etc.
  • Track record of peer-reviewed manuscripts, invited talks, repos, licenses, publications, and/or patents in quantum algorithms
  • Expertise in key mathematical techniques used in quantum computing (linear algebra, matrix decompositions, probability theory, symmetry, computational complexity) including the ability to explain to broad audiences ranging from community members, business executives and STEM PhDs
  • Demonstrated expertise in Python and Qiskit or similar quantum SDK.

You’d be a great fit with:

  • Experience being part of a team that identifies, defines, and solves problems of real-world interest. Good team player with excellent communication skills.
  • Experience developing hybrid quantum algorithms for NISQ-era quantum computers as well as early fault-tolerant computers
  • Experience optimizing hybrid codes across CPU, GPU and QPU (classical pre/post processing and variational methods) such as VQE, QAOA, varQITE, quantum annealing, quantum diffusion models, etc.
  • Experience using C++. Experience with CI/CD software development practices

Location: This role is based onsite at our office in Chattanooga, TN.
Travel: 10% domestic and international, with a focus on visiting customers and clients
Job ID:
1242

The approximate base salary range for this position is $123,191 - $161,289. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance!


IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!

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.

US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!