Quality Control Technician

Rigetti And Company Inc; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti Computing in Berkeley, CA is seeking a hands-on Quality Control Technician to support incoming inspection, non-conformance resolution, and parts disposition across our hardware programs. This role focuses on measuring parts with precision tools and applying acceptance criteria to drive quick, data-backed decisions.

You will maintain rigorous records, assist with root-cause investigations, and collaborate with engineering to resolve issues on components from high-tolerance machined

Qualifications

• 3+ years of quality control, inspection, or metrology in hardware or advanced manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with precision measurement tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators).
• Working knowledge of precision machined parts, PCBA and RF hardware.
• Solid understanding of GD&T and reading engineering drawings and specs.
• Familiarity with NCR/MRB processes and basic root cause tools (5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Attention to detail and documentation discipline; able to work independently at a bench.

Responsibilities

• Perform IQC inspection daily: define and execute inspection plans and sampling.
• Measure and document results using CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators.
• Flag discrepancies and escalate as needed.
• Inspect high-precision components: tight-tolerance machined parts, PCBA, RF hardware.
• Execute NCRs; document findings and support root cause investigation.
• Support CAPA follow-through and verify effectiveness; maintain traceability records.
• Prepare data packages and inspection reports for supplier-related quality issues.
• Track incoming yield and defect trends; support NPI first-article inspections.

Skills

Quality control

Metrology

GD&T

Documentation

NCR/MRB

CAPA

Data analysis

Tools

CMM

Calipers

Micrometers

Optical comparators

Arena

Excel

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on Quality Control Technician to support incoming inspection, non-conformance resolution, and parts disposition across our hardware programs. This role is heavily execution-focused: measuring parts, evaluating conformance, and working with engineering to resolve issues on components ranging from high-tolerance machined hardware to PCBAs and RF/microwave assemblies used in cryogenic environments.

You'll work within a QMS framework defined by Quality Engineering, applying inspection plans and acceptance criteria consistently and flagging gaps or improvement opportunities as they come up. The ideal candidate is meticulous, comfortable with precision measurement equipment, and enjoys digging into a nonconforming part to figure out what happened and what to do about it.

What You'll Be Doing

• Perform Incoming Quality Control (IQC) inspection on a daily basis, including:

  • Defining and executing inspection plans and sampling per defined acceptance criteria

  • Measuring and documenting results using CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, and other precision tools

  • Flagging discrepancies and escalating as needed

• Inspect high-precision components across multiple hardware types:

  • Tight-tolerance machined parts

  • PCBAs

  • RF/microwave hardware

• Execute Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs):

• Document findings with clear, thorough records

• Support root cause investigation

  • Track through to resolution and closure

  • Support material review board (MRB) activities - gather data and recommend disposition (use-as-is, rework, scrap) for engineering and supply chain sign-off

  • Assist with Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) follow-through, including verifying implementation and effectiveness

• Maintain accurate, organized inspection records and traceability documentation

• Support supplier-related quality issues by preparing data packages, measurement evidence, and inspection reports

• Help track incoming yield, defect trends, and other quality metrics

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by performing first-article inspections and validating new inspection methods

• Continuously look for ways to improve inspection efficiency, tooling, and documentation

• Work with data systems including Arena, CAD drawings, Excel, and internal databases

What You Bring

• 3+ years of experience in quality control, inspection, or metrology in hardware or advanced manufacturing environments
• Hands-on experience with precision measurement tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, etc.)
• Working knowledge of precision machined parts, PCBAs, and/or RF hardware
• Solid understanding of GD&T and how to read/interpret engineering drawings and technical specs
• Familiarity with NCR/MRB processes and basic root cause tools (5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline
• Comfortable working independently at the bench while collaborating closely with engineering on disposition decisions
• Willingness to learn and grow into broader quality responsibilities over time

Preferred Qualifications

• Machinist background (CNC machining, tolerancing, or shop floor experience) is a strong plus
• Experience inspecting RF/microwave components or hardware used in cryogenic or vacuum environments
• Familiarity with PCBA inspection (IPC-A-610 or similar standards)
• Working knowledge of ANSI/ASQ or ISO 9001 quality systems
• Experience with CMM (coordinate measuring machine) or other advanced metrology equipment
• Exposure to ERP/QMS software for logging inspections and dispositions (e.g., NetSuite, Arena, MasterControl)
• Experience working in a startup, R&D, or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environment
• Prior experience in aerospace, semiconductor, or scientific instrumentation industries where tight tolerances and traceability are critical

$30 - $50 an hour

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.