Senior R&D Quality Control Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Parental leave

Vacation policy

Equity

Rejuvenation days

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. The role focuses on precision measurement, conformance evaluation, and collaboration with engineering to resolve issues on high-tolerance parts.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years in quality control or metrology, with hands-on use of CMMs, calipers, micrometers, and optical comparators.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in quality control, inspection, or metrology in hardware manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with precision measurement tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators).
• Knowledge of GD&T and reading engineering drawings and specs.
• Familiarity with NCR/MRB processes and basic root cause tools.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline.
• Ability to work independently at the bench while collaborating with engineering.

Responsibilities

• Perform IQC inspection daily per defined acceptance criteria.
• Measure and document results using CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators.
• Flag discrepancies and escalate as needed.
• Inspect high-precision components including machined parts, PCBAs, RF hardware.
• Document NCRs and support root-cause investigations.
• Maintain inspection records and traceability.
• Support supplier quality issues with data packages and inspection reports.
• Assist CAPA follow-through and closure.
• Collaborate with engineering for disposition decisions.

Skills

Quality control

Metrology

NCR/MRB processes

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Documentation

Bench work

Tools

CMM

Calipers

Micrometers

Optical comparators

Arena / 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 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:

  • 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 (preferred)
• 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
• Familiarity with cryogenics systems and equipment 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

$165,000 - $190,000 a year

Base Salary

Rigetti complies with all local and state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location. Rigetti offers a full slate of benefits from competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental and vision for employees as well as a 401(k) plan, a paid parental leave program, rejuvenation days, and avacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.

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.