Staff System Architect, SNSPD Single-Photon Detector Platform at ID Quantique (IonQ), Geneva
Job Description
IonQ is hiring a Staff System Architect in Geneva for ID Quantique’s superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) platform, which is used in quantum computing, quantum networking and quantum sensing. The role sits where quantum photonics, cryogenic systems engineering and embedded systems meet, and its goal is a scalable, maintainable architecture for detectors that run autonomously around the clock. Single-photon detectors like these are a key component of quantum key distribution receivers.
At a glance
- Role: Staff System Architect (SNSPD platform)
- Team: Quantum Platform – Network and Security
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Experience: Master’s degree and 7+ years in system architecture (PhD and 10+ years in senior roles welcome)
- Posted: 28 August 2026
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 14 October 2026)
What the role covers
- Own the end-to-end system architecture of IDQ’s SNSPD platform, in line with a long-term product vision
- Translate product requirements into system-level designs, specifications and interfaces
- Make the key trade-offs between performance, cost, scalability and integration
- Guide system integration and resolve cross-domain design problems spanning photonics, cryogenics, electronics and software
- Shape the technology roadmap and bring in new technologies to keep the platform competitive
What IonQ is looking for
- A master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, photonics or a related field
- More than seven years of experience in system architecture or complex system design
- Expertise in multi-domain systems: photonics, cryogenics, electronics and embedded or software components
- Strong system-level thinking and a record of integrating complex technologies into working products
- Technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to explain architectures to many kinds of stakeholders
Nice to have
- A PhD in a relevant field and 10+ years in senior technical or architecture roles, as mentioned in the posting
Pay and location
IonQ’s posting does not state a salary for this Geneva role. Check the posting for contract details and work-permit requirements before applying.
How to apply
Apply through the official IonQ job posting. IonQ’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 14 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.
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Hiring institution: ID Quantique (IonQ)
Official advertisement: job-boards.greenhouse.io
How to prepare for this application
- Read up on SNSPD system design: cryocoolers, fibre coupling, readout electronics and how detector efficiency, dark counts and timing jitter trade off.
- Prepare an architecture you owned end to end, with the interface decisions and trade-offs you made.
- Be ready to discuss how detectors are used in QKD receivers and quantum networking experiments.
- Show how you keep a multidisciplinary team aligned on one architecture.
About ID Quantique
ID Quantique (IDQ), now part of IonQ, is a Geneva company known for quantum-safe communication and quantum detection systems. It says its terrestrial and space-based quantum-safe networks are in live operation, and its superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are used in quantum communication, sensing, computing and imaging.
