Director, Global Quantum System Deployment

Rigetti Computing; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 240,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti Computing seeks a Director to lead the global Field Engineering organization, owning end-to-end deployment of on-premise quantum systems and coordinating across hardware, software, and program management to ensure successful customer installations and handoffs.

You will build, mentor, and scale teams, establish processes and metrics, and drive continuous improvements across deployment readiness, reliability, and customer experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, or related technical field; Ph.D. preferred.
• 10+ years deploying, integrating, or supporting complex hardware systems.
• 3+ years of people management experience.
• Strong systems engineering background integrating mechanical, electrical, software, networking, and controls systems.
• Experience with superconducting quantum computing, cryogenic or RF/microwave systems, or semiconductor equipment.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and scale Rigetti's global Field Engineering organization.
• Own end-to-end deployment of on-premise quantum computing systems from site readiness to operational handoff.
• Lead deployment of complex systems including superconducting processors and related hardware.
• Serve as senior technical escalation point during deployments and field operations.
• Establish deployment processes, field engineering standards, training, documentation, and metrics.
• Partner across functions to improve deployment readiness, reliability, and customer experience.
• Drive continuous improvements in deployment efficiency, serviceability, and lifecycle support.

Skills

Customer-facing leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Travel readiness

Education

Master's degree (Ph.D. preferred)

Tools

Dilution refrigerators

RF/microwave hardware

Control electronics

Networking hardware

Job description

About the Role

Rigetti Computing is seeking a Director of Quantum System Deployment & Field Engineering to lead the global deployment, integration, commissioning, and lifecycle support of our on-premise quantum computing systems. In this role, you will build and lead Rigetti's Field Engineering organization, ensuring the successful delivery of complete quantum systems—from factory acceptance through customer installation, commissioning, acceptance, and operational handoff. You will develop the people, processes, and operational standards required to scale commercial deployments worldwide.

Working across Hardware Engineering, Manufacturing, Quantum Engineering, Software, and Program Management, you will ensure every deployed system meets Rigetti's standards for performance, reliability, and customer success.

What You'll Do

• Build, lead, and scale Rigetti's global Field Engineering organization.
• Own the end‑to‑end deployment of on‑premise quantum computing systems, including site readiness, installation, system integration, commissioning, customer acceptance, and operational handoff.
• Lead deployment of complex systems, including superconducting quantum processors, dilution refrigerators, RF/microwave hardware, control electronics, networking, and supporting infrastructure.
• Serve as the senior technical escalation point during customer deployments and field operations.
• Establish deployment processes, field engineering standards, training, documentation, and operational metrics.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Hardware Engineering, Manufacturing, Software, Program Management, and Customer Success to improve deployment readiness, reliability, and customer experience.
• Drive continuous improvements in deployment efficiency, serviceability, and lifecycle support.

What We're Looking For

• Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related technical field (Ph.D. preferred).
• 10+ years of experience deploying, integrating, or supporting complex hardware systems.
• 3+ years of people management experience.
• Strong systems engineering background integrating mechanical, electrical, software, networking, and controls systems.
• Experience with one or more of the following:
  • Quantum computing
  • Cryogenic systems
  • RF/microwave systems
  • Semiconductor equipment
  • Scientific instrumentation
• Excellent customer‑facing leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Willingness to travel globally (approximately 30‑40%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with superconducting quantum computing or dilution refrigerator systems.
• Experience supporting enterprise, government, or national laboratory customers.
• Experience building and scaling field engineering organizations.
• Familiarity with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and product lifecycle support.

$240,000 - $275,000 a year

Base Salary

Rigetti complies with all local and state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location. Rigetti offers a full slate of benefits from competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental and vision for employees as well as a 401(k) plan, a paid parental leave program, rejuvenation days, and a vacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.

As engineering leaders, we value diversity and are committed to building a culture of inclusion to attract and engage innovative thinkers. Our technology, meant to serve all of humanity, cannot succeed if those who built it do not mirror the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from women, minorities, and other under‑represented groups are encouraged.

About Rigetti

Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full‑stack quantum computing. The company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The company’s proprietary quantum‑classical infrastructure provides ultra‑low latency integration with public and private clouds for high‑performance practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi‑chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The company designs and manufactures its chips in‑house at Fab‑1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Rigetti was founded in 2013 and today employs more than 150 people with offices in the United States, U.K., and Australia. Learn more at www.rigetti.com .

Export Licensing Compliance

Rigetti is committed to full compliance with applicable anti‑discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.