Senior Quality Engineer - Hardware QMS and Supplier Quality

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Rejuvenation days

Vacation policy

Job summary

Rigetti Computing is seeking a hands-on Quality Assurance Engineer to build and lead the Quality function for its hardware-focused teams in Berkeley. You will establish a scalable Quality Management System (QMS) and own inbound quality, NCR, and CAPA processes to ensure components meet strict quantum hardware standards.

You will collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing to drive continuous improvement in IQC, audits, and supplier performance, delivering robust quality

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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 conduct audits
• Define and track key quality metrics including incoming yield, defect trends, supplier performance
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by embedding quality early and defining inspection methods
• Introduce lightweight documentation practices, traceability systems and revision control
• Identify and drive continuous improvement across hardware development and manufacturing

Skills

5+ years experience

Precision machined parts

PCBAs

RF hardware

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Engineering drawings

Documentation

Hands-on

Job description

Rigetti Computing is seeking a hands-on Quality Assurance Engineer to build and lead the Quality function for its hardware-focused teams in Berkeley. You will establish a scalable Quality Management System (QMS) and own inbound quality, NCR, and CAPA processes to ensure components meet strict quantum hardware standards.

You will collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing to drive continuous improvement in IQC, audits, and supplier performance, delivering robust quality