Senior Cryogenic Mechanical Engineer

Rigetti Computing; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti Computing is seeking a Senior Mechanical/Cryogenic Engineer to own the cryogenic hardware architecture from room temperature to millikelvin. You will lead the cryogenic signal chain design, define thermal interfaces, and collaborate with quantum physicists, RF engineers, and systems teams.

You will drive design decisions end-to-end, from concept to qualification, and mentor junior engineers while documenting CAD, drawings, BOMs, and revisions in PLM.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field (M.S. preferred).
• 7+ years designing complex mechanical or electromechanical systems with end-to-end hardware ownership.
• Expert-level SolidWorks — large assemblies, GD&T-compliant drawing packages, and DFM workflows.
• Independent proficiency in SolidWorks, COMSOL or ANSYS for thermal and structural analysis.
• Experience with hardware operating in cryogenic, vacuum, or extreme thermal environments.
• Strong ME fundamentals: stress analysis, tolerance stack-ups, materials selection, and failure mode analysis.
• Proven ability to lead technical efforts and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead prototype builds, system integration, and cryogenic bring-up; diagnose integration failures and drive root cause analysis.
• Serve as the mechanical lead in cross-functional programs alongside quantum physicists, RF engineers, and systems teams, mentor junior engineers and lead design reviews.
• Maintain rigorous documentation — CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and revision-controlled design records — within the company PLM system.

Skills

Hardware design

Cryogenic environments

Leadership

Mechanical fundamentals

Team collaboration

Education

B.S./M.S. Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

COMSOL

ANSYS

Job description

Rigetti Computing is seeking a Senior Mechanical/Cryogenic Engineer to own the cryogenic hardware architecture from room temperature to millikelvin. You will lead the cryogenic signal chain design, define thermal interfaces, and collaborate with quantum physicists, RF engineers, and systems teams.

You will drive design decisions end-to-end, from concept to qualification, and mentor junior engineers while documenting CAD, drawings, BOMs, and revisions in PLM.