Senior DSP Engineer

About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] 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.
About Vector Atomic:

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you're excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we'd love to hear from you.

We are seeking a Senior DSP Engineer to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of quantum technology. Based on system goals, this engineer will design algorithms for instrument control.  This task will combine information from high-level requirements and direct laboratory measurements to address system goals. You will be responsible for developing custom algorithms for systems with limited resources. In addition, this role requires an individual to develop test plans to extract empirical data that will amplify simulation results. While initially focused on research and development, the ultimate objective is to transition to commercial devices. The ideal candidate is a strong individual contributor who can take ownership of their tasks while also supporting the overall team goals.

What You'll Do

• Work with a cross-functional team of physicists, EEs, mechanical engineers, and optical engineers to create next-generation quantum instruments.
• Design signal processing algorithms for precision sensors.   The work will include implementations in both CPUs and RTL-based FPGA systems.
• Work with various simulation tools to define and validate customized signal-processing algorithms for a wide-range of sensor applications.
• Work in a team to develop implementations that meet system-level requirements in limited-resource embedded systems.  Assist with the translation into RTL or Firmware implementations. 
• Define experiments to characterize plant behavior, measure performance metrics, and system identification.
• Collaborate with EEs and Software engineers to identify issues and debug systems.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and five (5) years of experience relevant to signal processing. 
• Expert understanding of theory and the practical implementation of signal processing.  The candidate should have practical experience with most of the following digital signal processing topics: Lock-in amplifiers, FFTs, FIRs, IIRs, CICs, DDSs, MIMO processing, multi-rate filtering (interpolators and decimators), OFDM, Sampling theory, Kalman filters, modulation, I/Q, harmonics generation, and quantization effects. 
• Able to define digital algorithms that can be coded on hardware systems such as FPGAs and CPU-based firmware. 
• Must be comfortable working in a dynamic laboratory environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and collaborators, both written and verbal.
• US export control laws requires "U.S. Persons" including US citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.

Required Skills

• Previous experience designing and optimizing digital signal processing algorithms for embedded instrumentation, with an emphasis on sensors.
• Simulation of signal processing algorithms using MATLAB, Simulink and/or Python.  
• Signal analysis background for model identification and parameter extraction. 
• Understanding of noise mechanisms in electronic systems.  Must be able to estimate noise in systems that include digital, RF and analog sections. 
• Define complex signal processing algorithms in fixed-point and variable-bit width environments.  Must be able to optimize algorithms for performance while considering resource utilization.
• C/C++, Python and/or Rust coding skills. Practical experience with professional CASE tools including, but not limited to, revision control, bug tracking, and debuggers.

Nice To Have Skills

• Experience working with advanced Inertial Measurement Units (IMUS), Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), gyroscopes, accelerometers, and GPS units.
• Understanding channel effects and mitigation strategies for free space RF and optical communications systems. 
• While this individual will not be directly responsible for detailed RTL coding, some RTL coding background would be a plus.
• Practical experience developing control algorithms such as Kalman Filters, PID and state-space modeling. Able to define measurement strategies to extract plant models for simulation and optimization.      

At Vector Atomic we value teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:

• Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employer 401(k) contributions
• 20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Stock ownership plan
• Fully stocked kitchen

Pay Range

The approximate base salary range for this position is $140,000 to $190,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits.  It's atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience level.

Vector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Vector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or HR team.