Principal Engineer - Classical Cryptography & Architecture

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.  

Location: This role is based onsite in Geneva, Switzerland.
Travel: 
Job ID: 1892 

ID Quantique (IDQ), part of IonQ, is a global leader in quantum-safe communications. We provide solutions to protect governments, telecommunication infrastructures, and banking & financial institutions from the “harvest-now, decrypt-later” threat, delivering both terrestrial and space-based quantum-safe networks in live operation globally.

The Role: 

We are looking for a Principal Engineer to own the classical cryptography architecture of our post-quantum cryptography (PQC) hardware acceleration products, targeting hardware security module (HSM) and network-appliance applications. Real-world quantum-safe systems are hybrid systems: classical and post-quantum algorithms operating side by side, with careful key management, crypto agility and migration paths. You will be the senior authority for this classical and hybrid layer, working alongside our PQC architecture leadership. The role demands fluency on both sides of the transition: deep classical mastery combined with a solid working command of the post-quantum algorithms and standards the products are built around.

Responsibilities:

You will own the architecture and implementation strategy of the classical cryptographic functions of the product line: symmetric ciphers and modes (AES/GCM and beyond), hash functions (SHA-2/SHA-3, HMAC/KDF constructions), RSA/ECC offload, and true random number generation and entropy architecture (SP 800-90A/B/C). You will define the hybrid classical/post-quantum schemes (key establishment, dual signatures, composite certificates) and the crypto-agility mechanisms that allow customers to migrate safely, track the standardisation of hybrid and composite approaches (NIST guidance, IETF work on hybrid key establishment in TLS 1.3 and IKEv2, composite certificates) together with our PQC architects, guide RTL and software engineers implementing classical cores, technically evaluate third-party IP, and support FIPS 140-3 and CAVP certification of the classical algorithm suite. You will also own key-management and key-hierarchy architecture across the product, ensuring interoperability with deployed HSM, TLS and IPsec ecosystems.

• Own the classical and hybrid cryptography architecture of the product line: symmetric, hash, RSA/ECC, entropy and key management, and classical/PQC hybrid schemes
• Define crypto-agility and migration mechanisms that let customers move to quantum-safe deployments without breaking existing infrastructure

Requirements:

We are looking for a candidate with a Master’s or PhD in Cryptography, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a related field and at least twelve years of experience implementing and architecting classical cryptography in real products, in hardware, software or both. You have deep command of symmetric and asymmetric primitives, modes of operation, key management and entropy generation, and you have taken cryptographic subsystems through FIPS 140-3 or Common Criteria evaluation. You also bring a solid working knowledge of the NIST post-quantum algorithms (ML-KEM, ML-DSA, SLH-DSA) and their deployment constraints: you do not need to be a lattice specialist, but you must be able to architect hybrid schemes with one.

You understand the practical constraints of deployed security infrastructure (HSMs, PKI, TLS and IPsec ecosystems) and how hybrid classical/post-quantum schemes are standardised and deployed in practice. You write precise specifications, guide implementers effectively, and make sound architecture decisions under real-world interoperability constraints. Fluency in English is required; French or German is an advantage.

• Proven architect of classical cryptographic subsystems with certification experience (FIPS 140-3, CAVP, Common Criteria)
• Practical knowledge of hybrid classical/PQC schemes, crypto agility and key-management architecture, with working command of the NIST PQC standards

Preferred Qualifications:

You believe that quantum-safe security is only as strong as the classical foundations it stands on. You enjoy being the guardian of correctness and interoperability in a programme pushing new technology, and you take pride in migrations that customers barely notice because they simply work.

What We Offer:

• A role at one of the fastest growing and most exciting quantum companies in the world
• A competitive compensation scheme, benefits package, and equity plan designed to reward excellence
• Flexible work models that let you balance your life, your family, and your career
• Ongoing training and development to keep your skills sharp and your growth on track
• A career development plan within the IonQ group’s companies
• A dynamic, close-knit environment where you collaborate with a global team of experts
• A performance-driven culture built on trust, teamwork, and shared ambition

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. 

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!