Senior R&D Quality Control Technician

Rigetti Computing; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 85,962,000 - 143,270,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti Computing is seeking a hands-on Quality Control Technician to support incoming inspection, non-conformance resolution, and parts disposition across our hardware programs, including high-tolerance machined parts, PCBAs, and RF/microwave assemblies for cryogenic environments.

The role emphasizes executing inspection plans, using precision metrology tools, and maintaining traceability while collaborating with engineering and MRB decisions.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in quality control, inspection, or metrology.
• Hands-on experience with precision measurement tools.
• Familiarity with NCR/MRB processes and root cause tools (5 Whys, Fishbone).

Responsibilities

• Perform IQC inspections daily per defined acceptance criteria.
• Define and execute inspection plans and sampling.
• Measure and document results with CMM, calipers, micrometers, and optical comparators.
• Flag discrepancies and escalate as needed.
• Support NCR/MRB and CAPA processes with data and reports.
• Maintain organized inspection records and traceability.

Skills

Quality control

Inspection

Metrology

Attention to detail

Documentation

GD&T

Bench independence

Root cause tools

Tools

CMM

Calipers

Micrometers

Optical comparators

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on Quality Control Technician to support incoming inspection, non-conformance resolution, and parts disposition across our hardware programs. This role is heavily execution-focused: measuring parts, evaluating conformance, and working with engineering to resolve issues on components ranging from high-tolerance machined hardware to PCBAs and RF/microwave assemblies used in cryogenic environments.

You’ll work within a QMS framework defined by Quality Engineering, applying inspection plans and acceptance criteria consistently and flagging gaps or improvement opportunities as they come up. The ideal candidate is meticulous, comfortable with precision measurement equipment, and enjoys digging into a nonconforming part to figure out what happened and what to do about it.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform Incoming Quality Control (IQC) inspection on a daily basis, including:
• Defining and executing inspection plans and sampling per defined acceptance criteria
• Measuring and documenting results using CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, and other precision tools
• Flagging discrepancies and escalating as needed
• Inspect high-precision components across multiple hardware types:
• Tight-tolerance machined parts
• PCBAs
• RF/microwave hardware
• Execute Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs):
• Document findings with clear, thorough records
• Support root cause investigation:
• Track through to resolution and closure
• Support material review board (MRB) activities – gather data and recommend disposition (use-as-is, rework, scrap) for engineering and supply chain sign-off
• Assist with Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) follow-through, including verifying implementation and effectiveness
• Maintain accurate, organized inspection records and traceability documentation
• Support supplier-related quality issues by preparing data packages, measurement evidence, and inspection reports
• Help track incoming yield, defect trends, and other quality metrics
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by performing first-article inspections and validating new inspection methods
• Continuously look for ways to improve inspection efficiency, tooling, and documentation
• Work with data systems including Arena, CAD drawings, Excel, and internal databases

What You Bring

• 3+ years of experience in quality control, inspection, or metrology in hardware or advanced manufacturing environments
• Hands-on experience with precision measurement tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, etc.)
• Working knowledge of precision machined parts, PCBAs, and/or RF hardware
• Solid understanding of GD&T and how to read/interpret engineering drawings and technical specs
• Familiarity with NCR/MRB processes and basic root cause tools (5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline
• Comfortable working independently at the bench while collaborating closely with engineering on disposition decisions
• Willingness to learn and grow into broader quality responsibilities over time

Preferred Qualifications

• Machinist background (CNC machining, tolerancing, or shop floor experience) is a strong plus
• Experience inspecting RF/microwave components or hardware used in cryogenic or vacuum environments
• Familiarity with PCBA inspection (IPC-A-610 or similar standards)
• Working knowledge of ANSI/ASQ or ISO 9001 quality systems
• Experience with CMM (coordinate measuring machine) or other advanced metrology equipment
• Exposure to ERP/QMS software for logging inspections and dispositions (e.g., NetSuite, Arena, MasterControl)
• Experience working in a startup, R&D, or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environment
• Prior experience in aerospace, semiconductor, or scientific instrumentation industries where tight tolerances and traceability are critical

$30 - $50 an hour

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.