Senior PVD Process Engineer for Quantum Devices

Rigetti Computing; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti Computing is seeking a Senior Process Engineer – Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) to own and optimize production PVD modules for superconducting quantum processors. You will develop, qualify, and monitor thin-film deposition processes and lead root-cause investigations while collaborating across facilities, materials, design, and quantum engineering teams.

The role requires hands-on PVD expertise, DOE, data analysis, and the ability to mentor engineers in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 4–6 years of relevant industry or research experience, or a PhD with 2+ years of relevant industry, postdoctoral, or research experience
• Hands-on experience with PVD equipment (sputtering, e-beam, or thermal evaporation) and semiconductor fabrication processes; direct, sustained experience with 4-inch or 6-inch wafer processing
• Strong working knowledge of vacuum systems and thin-film deposition processes, including diagnosing process or tool drift
• Strong understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes and superconducting or semiconductor device physics
• Experience with process development, experimental design (DOE), and engineering data analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment
• Comfortable operating with real autonomy in a fast-paced R&D environment with evolving technical priorities

Responsibilities

• Own the process health and performance of assigned PVD modules through SPC, process monitoring, and data analysis
• Develop, optimize, and qualify thin-film deposition processes for superconducting resonators, signal wiring, and interconnect structures
• Analyze process, metrology, and electrical characterization data to improve reproducibility and device performance
• Lead root-cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions for process, equipment, and materials-related issues
• Partner with facilities and equipment engineering to coordinate preventive maintenance and process qualification after maintenance or repairs
• Document process development activities, author and maintain SOPs, and train process technicians on new processes and equipment operation
• Contribute to and help set the technical roadmap for the process area, including equipment strategy and long-term scalability
• Mentor and technically review the work of process engineers or technicians as opportunities arise
• Represent process engineering in cross-functional design and technical reviews to drive trade-off decisions across materials, process integration, design, and quantum engineering

Skills

PVD processes

DOE

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Autonomy

Technical communication

Education

Master's degree in Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

PhD in same fields (optional)

Tools

JMP

Python

MATLAB

Ellipsometry

AFM

SEM

XRR

XRD

Job description

Rigetti Computing is seeking a Senior Process Engineer – Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) to own and optimize production PVD modules for superconducting quantum processors. You will develop, qualify, and monitor thin-film deposition processes and lead root-cause investigations while collaborating across facilities, materials, design, and quantum engineering teams.

The role requires hands-on PVD expertise, DOE, data analysis, and the ability to mentor engineers in a fast-paced R&D environment.