Lead Electrical Engineer, Control Systems

Rigetti Computing; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Rejuvenation days

Vacation policy aligned with regulations

Job summary

Rigetti Computing in Berkeley is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to design and deploy hardware for quantum computing. This role involves collaborating with various engineering disciplines to develop cutting-edge solutions in low-noise mixed-signal board design.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience and will demonstrate strong communication and leadership abilities, alongside technical expertise in circuit design and testing.

Benefits include competitive salaries, equity, and comprehensive healthcare services.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in electrical engineering, preferably in startups or dynamic environments.
• Proven success taking designs from conception through the full design cycle.
• Ability to operate standard lab equipment for testing.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team members to generate system requirements.
• Capture circuit board schematic and layout for designs.
• Create and execute test plans using various lab equipment.

Skills

Low-noise mixed-signal board design

Excellent communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

VNAs

Job description

As a member of Rigetti’s Control Systems team, you will design, develop, test, and deploy hardware that generates microwave pulses that control and read the qubits in our quantum computer. You’ll collaborate closely with embedded software engineers, mechanical engineers, and physicists to deliver cutting‑edge quantum control solutions. We’re looking for someone who will deepen our team’s expertise in low‑noise mixed‑signal board design — including specifying and designing critical circuit components such as low‑noise power supply rails, precise clock distribution, and high‑speed transceivers.

We're seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer with a proven track record of leading projects across diverse teams and driving technical excellence in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with exceptional communication and leadership skills, effectively translating complex concepts for diverse audiences and influencing key design and delivery decisions. This individual fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, and rigorous engineering design, while mentoring others to achieve their highest potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external team members to generate system requirements.
• Capture circuit board schematic and layout for designs containing digital, analog, and RF components.
• Create and execute test plans using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and VNAs (also qubits!).

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience working in startups or dynamic work environments.
• BS or MS degree in EE, or equivalent, with 10+ years experience.
• Ability to operate standard lab equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and VNAs).
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to interact across different disciplines.
• Demonstrated success taking designs from conception through the full design cycle, including manufacturing and test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with analog design and simulation (SPICE or equivalent).
• Knowledge of signal processing concepts: Nyquist zones, convolution, cross‑correlation, numerically‑controlled oscillators.
• Focus on supporting other teams and a desire to jump in and help.
• Exposure to Verilog/VHDL and digital hardware design and FPGA development.
• Familiarity with Python scripting (especially scientific Python libraries like numpy and scipy).
• Understanding of RF design and test.

Salary: $165,000 - $215,000 a year

Benefits: Rigetti offers a full slate of benefits including competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental and vision, a 401(k) plan, a paid parental leave program, rejuvenation days, and a vacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.

EEO Statement: 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.

Hiring Process & AI tools: We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.

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.

We value diversity and are committed to building a culture of inclusion to attract and engage innovative thinkers. Applications from women, minorities, and other under‑represented groups are encouraged.