Lead Electrical Engineer, Control Systems

Rigetti And Company Inc; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer for its Control Systems team to design, develop, test, and deploy hardware that generates microwave pulses for qubit control. The role emphasizes low‑noise mixed‑signal board design and collaboration with software, mechanical, and physics teams.

You will lead projects across diverse teams, mentor others, and translate complex concepts for broad audiences while ensuring rigorous engineering design and manufacturing readiness.

Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years of experience leading hardware projects across diverse teams.
• Proven ability to translate complex concepts for multiple audiences and influence design decisions.
• Experience with analog design and simulation (SPICE or equivalent).
• Knowledge of RF design, signal processing concepts, and lab measurement techniques.
• Excellent communication skills and mentoring abilities.

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.
• Lead projects across cross‑functional teams in fast‑paced environments.
• Provide guidance on debugging, manufacturing readiness, and design verification.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Lab equipment operation

Analog design

RF design

Python scripting

Verilog/VHDL

FPGA development

SPICE simulations

System requirements capture

Education

BS or MS in EE

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

VNAs

SPICE

FPGA development tools

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.

• 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!)
• 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
• 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

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.