Lead Quantum Device Theorist

Rigetti; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti is seeking a Lead Quantum Device Theorist to advance performance of superconducting quantum processors. You will model processor dynamics, develop mitigation strategies, and collaborate with experimental teams on readout fidelity and gate optimization.

You will apply first-principles modeling, Hamiltonian engineering, and noise spectral analysis to guide design and post-deployment characterization across R&D platforms.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience modeling noise in large-scale quantum processors and informing Hamiltonian designs.
• Experience simulating open quantum systems.
• Experience collaborating with experimentalists on readout and noise characterization.
• Background in gate-based quantum computing or superconducting circuits; strong circuit QED knowledge.
• Proven expertise in noise modeling for quantum error correction.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain advanced simulation tools to accurately model noise sources in flux‑tunable superconducting qubits.
• Model and analyze entangling gate operations on superconducting quantum processors.
• Apply optimal control techniques to improve quantum gate and readout performance.
• Develop analytical tools to interpret experimental measurements and diagnose performance anomalies.
• Perform detailed error-budget modeling to support quantum error correction (QEC) efforts.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams in gate operations, measurement, device design, applications, algorithms, and control engineering.

Skills

Python programming

Noise modeling

Open quantum systems

Superconducting circuits

Circuit QED

QEC noise modeling

Collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD in Physics / related field

Tools

QuTiP

Stim

Job description

Lead Quantum Device Theorist – Overview

As a Lead Quantum Device Theorist, you will play a central role in advancing the performance of our superconducting quantum processors. This position requires deep expertise in circuit QED, quantum device physics, and noise modeling for quantum error correction (QEC). You will work closely with experimental teams to model processor dynamics and lead efforts to improve qubit readout fidelity and quantum gate performance across our R&D platforms.

This role demands strong cross‑functional collaboration with specialists in qubit readout, gate calibration, control systems, and superconducting circuit design. Together, you will drive innovations that support scalable architectures, quantum advantage, and fault‑tolerant error correction.

We are seeking a candidate who excels at solving complex device‑physics challenges in large‑scale superconducting quantum processors. You will develop mitigation strategies grounded in first‑principles modeling, including optimal Hamiltonian engineering, noise‑spectral analysis, and system‑level simulations spanning design and post‑deployment characterization. This role requires deep expertise in circuit QED, tunable coupler architectures, multi‑level system dynamics, and decoherence mechanisms, along with the ability to translate theoretical insights into experimentally actionable improvements in gate and readout performance. Strong collaboration across device design, calibration, and control teams is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain advanced simulation tools to accurately model noise sources in flux‑tunable superconducting qubits.
• Model and analyze entangling gate operations on superconducting quantum processors.
• Apply optimal control techniques to improve quantum gate and readout performance.
• Develop analytical tools to interpret experimental measurements and diagnose performance anomalies.
• Perform detailed error‑budget modeling to support quantum error correction (QEC) efforts.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with teams in gate operations, measurement, device design, applications, algorithms, and control engineering.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, plus 5+ years of relevant work experience.
• Modeling noise in large scale processors and inform Hamiltonian designs.
• Experience simulating open quantum systems.
• Experience collaborating with experimentalists on readout and noise characterization; analyzing and interpreting experimental data, and predicting anomalies.
• Background in gate‑based quantum computing or superconducting circuits, either academically or in industry.
• Demonstrated depth and breadth in circuit QED physics, including Hamiltonian modeling, dispersive readout theory, and multi‑qubit coupling architectures.
• Proven expertise in noise modeling for quantum error correction, including coherent and incoherent error channels, leakage, crosstalk, and correlated noise.
• Strong programming skills in Python for scientific applications.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Experience with optimal control theory applied to superconducting qubits.
• Familiarity with quantum error correction codes and fault‑tolerant architectures.
• Track record of publications in relevant peer‑reviewed journals.
• Experience with high‑performance computing or GPU‑accelerated simulations.
• Proficiency with scientific computing libraries such as QuTiP, or Stim.

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. Applications from women, minorities, and other under‑represented groups are encouraged.