Senior Quality Engineer

Rigetti; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti Computing is seeking a hands-on Quality Assurance Engineer to build and lead the Quality function for our hardware teams. The role focuses on creating a practical QMS, defining inspection methods, and coupling with engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing to meet stringent quantum hardware standards.

You will own incoming quality (IQC), non-conformance handling, and CAPA programs, define acceptance criteria, and drive continuous improvement across high‑tolerance machined parts,

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Quality Engineering or Quality Management in hardware.
• Experience with precision machined parts, PCBAs, RF hardware.
• Reading drawings, electrical schematics, and specs.
• Experience managing supplier quality and vendor accountability.
• Hands-on in startup or low-process environments.

Responsibilities

• Define processes and a scalable Quality Management System (QMS) from the ground up.
• Own Incoming Quality Control (IQC) including inspections and documentation.
• Lead Non-Conformance Reporting (NCR) and CAPA processes.
• Audit suppliers and drive process improvements across hardware.
• Track key quality metrics and support New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across hardware development and manufacturing.

Skills

Quality engineering

Root cause analysis

Supplier quality

Documentation

5 Whys

Tools

QMS software

Job description

About Rigetti

Rigetti Computing is building the world’s most powerful computers to help solve humanity’s most pressing problems. Our quantum computing technology has the potential to transform nearly every industry over the coming decades. As a public company with deep roots in research and engineering, we are scaling our hardware capabilities and building the systems needed to deliver reliable, high-performance quantum processors.

Role Overview

We are seeking a hands‑on Quality Assurance Engineer to build and lead the Quality function at Rigetti. This highly hands‑on role will be responsible for establishing a practical, scalable Quality Management System (QMS) while working closely with engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure our hardware meets the extreme standards required for quantum computing.

In this role, you will operate at both the strategic and tactical levels:

• Defining processes and systems from the ground up
• Engaging directly in inspection, supplier quality, and issue resolution

You will own incoming quality, non‑conformance handling, and corrective action processes, with a strong focus on:

• High‑tolerance machined components
• PCBAs
• RF/Microwave hardware used in cryogenic environments

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑moving, low‑process environment and is comfortable building structure where little exists today.

• Own Incoming Quality Control (IQC), including:
• Direct responsibility for all incoming quality inspection and documentation
• Inspection plans, sampling strategies and acceptance criteria
• Build and implement a right‑sized Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with industry best practices, tailored for a fast‑paced hardware organization
• Perform and oversee inspection of high‑precision components:
• Tight‑tolerance machined parts
• PCBAs
• RF hardware
• Establish and manage Non‑Conformance Reporting (NCR) processes:
• Documentation and tracking
• Root cause analysis
• Resolution and closure
• Lead material review and disposition decisions (use‑as‑is, rework, scrap) in collaboration with engineering and supply chain
• Drive Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) with internal teams and external vendors
• Partner directly with suppliers to:
• Resolve quality issues
• Improve processes and consistency
• Conduct audits and follow‑ups
• Define and track key quality metrics including incoming yield, defect trends, supplier performance
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by embedding quality early. Define requirements, establish inspection methods and implement controls before scale
• Introduce lightweight but effective documentation practices, traceability systems and revision control
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives across hardware development and manufacturing
• 5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or Quality Management in hardware or advanced manufacturing environments
• Strong experience with precision machined parts, PCBAs, RF hardware (preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to build or scale quality systems in a startup or low‑process environment
• Deep understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, inspection methodologies
• Experience managing supplier quality and driving vendor accountability
• Proficiency with root cause analysis tools, including 5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D and related methodologies
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and technical specifications
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Willingness to be hands‑on and operate across both strategy and execution

As engineering leaders, we value diversity and are committed to building a culture of inclusion to attract and engage innovative thinkers. Our technology, meant to serve all of humanity, cannot succeed if those who built it do not mirror the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from women, minorities, and other under‑represented groups are encouraged.

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.