Quantum Engineer

Rigetti; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti Computing seeks a Quantum Engineer to advance gate-based, superconducting quantum processors. You will characterize qubits, implement measurement techniques, and interpret processor data in collaboration with device design, cryogenic hardware, control systems, fabrication, and software teams.

This role focuses on experimental physics for quantum information, with potential work on gate calibration, qubit relaxation, or quantum error correction, contributing to scalable, fault-tolerant

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or Masters in Physics with 2+ years industry experience.
• Demonstrated abilities in experimental problem solving and experimental research.
• Expertise in practical implementation of coherent quantum effects and control.
• Proficiency using Python in a scientific context.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment with a team-first mindset.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Characterizing experimental devices, assessing performance, identifying improvements, and providing feedback to development teams.
• Providing technical focus and leadership on a particular R&D topic (gate calibration, qubit relaxation/dephasing, etc.).
• Collaborating with diverse teams to turn experimental concepts into robust technologies for large QPU scales.
• Staying current with cutting-edge research and implementing calibration, error diagnostic, and system optimization techniques.

Skills

Python

Collaboration

Communication

Experimental problem solving

Education

PhD in Physics

Tools

QuTiP

Job description

Job Overview

As a Quantum Engineer at Rigetti Computing, you will be a key contributor to the development of our gate-based, superconducting quantum computers. Your work will turn experimental ideas into ever-improving hardware functionality through rigorous characterization of qubits and gates, implementation of new measurement techniques, and interpretation of processor data. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams spanning device design, cryogenic/microwave hardware, control systems, fabrication, and software to push the boundaries of quantum computing to the scale and performance required for practical quantum computing and error correction.

This is a general job posting for experimental physicists that leads to consideration for a targeted role with a specific focus. Topics could include: gate calibration, qubit relaxation and/or dephasing, piloting new research ideas in small processors, integration of new ideas into large processors, or implementation of quantum error correction.

Your training and achievements as an experimental physicist in quantum information mean that you, more than anyone else, already know how hard this will be. And that’s why you’ve sought us out.

Responsibilities

• Characterizing experimental devices, assessing their performance, identifying areas for improvement, and providing feedback to internal development teams.
• Providing technical focus and leadership on a particular R&D topic, which could include gate calibration, qubit relaxation and/or dephasing, piloting new research ideas in small processors, integration of new ideas into large processors, or implementation of quantum error correction.
• Collaborating across diverse teams of expert engineers (fab, design, electronics, software, etc.) to turn experimental concepts into robust technologies that work at large QPU scales.
• Staying current with cutting‑edge research, synthesizing results from the literature, and implementing state‑of‑the‑art calibration, error diagnostic, and system optimization techniques to enhance device performance.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or similar applied scientific field, or Masters’ in Physics with 2+ years relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated abilities in experimental problem solving and experimental research.
• Expertise in the practical implementation of coherent quantum effects and control.
• Proficiency using Python in a scientific context.
• Ability to thrive in a strongly collaborative environment, with a team‑first mindset.
• Excellent communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• Experience calibrating and characterizing single- and two-qubit quantum gates in superconducting quantum devices.
• Experience utilizing quantum simulation frameworks, such as QuTip.
• Proven capability to execute and effectively communicate outcomes from innovative research and development initiatives.
• Software development experience in a collaborative industry setting.
• Previous technical role in an industrial or startup setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.