Senior Software Engineer, Internal Systems

Quantum Computing Jobs UK; Berkeley (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti Computing seeks an experienced Senior Software Engineer to own and improve data-intensive Python services, primarily backend, with some full-stack work.

You will collaborate directly with quantum and fab engineers to translate needs into scalable software, maintain data integrity through migrations and testing, and enhance performance and observability of user workflows.

Qualifications

• Strong Python, with experience building and running production backend or serving systems.
• Experience working in large, evolving codebases, and the judgment to improve them without slowing down the people who depend on them.
• Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases; PostgreSQL a plus.
• Experience with AWS and a typical cloud stack (Kubernetes, Kafka, Postgres, Grafana or equivalents).
• A track record of working cross-functionally with scientists or other deeply technical peers, and genuine enjoyment of helping them do their best work, especially as requirements change with the science
• Product instinct and independence: you can sit down with a user, understand the underlying problem, define what to build, and drive it forward without close supervision
• Curiosity regarding quantum computing and what Rigetti is building

Responsibilities

• Own, maintain, and improve data-intensive Python services and applications, mostly backend, sometimes full stack
• Work directly with internal customers, including quantum engineers and fab engineers, to understand what they actually need and turn it into scalable, sustainable software
• Keep data trustworthy as systems evolve: schema migrations, compatibility across clients, testing, CI
• Measure and improve performance of user-facing workflows and the observability of the platforms behind them
• Help scientists and engineers outside the software team use AI coding agents safely and sustainably by building the frameworks, guardrails, and patterns that make that possible
• Keep users informed on priorities and roadmap
• Mentor and collaborate with other engineers on the team

Skills

Python backend

Backend services

Cross-functional collaboration

SQL & PostgreSQL

AWS

Kubernetes

Kafka

Observability

AI guardrails

Curiosity about quantum computing

Production systems

Tools

Grafana

PostgreSQL

Kafka

Kubernetes

Job description

Salary US$180,000 - US$250,000 pa

Work Pattern Full-time

Work Location Hybrid

Seniority Senior

Key Responsibilities

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own, maintain, and improve data-intensive Python services and applications, mostly backend, sometimes full stack
• Work directly with internal customers, including quantum engineers and fab engineers, to understand what they actually need and turn it into scalable, sustainable software
• Keep data trustworthy as systems evolve: schema migrations, compatibility across clients, testing, CI
• Measure and improve performance of user-facing workflows and the observability of the platforms behind them
• Help scientists and engineers outside the software team use AI coding agents safely and sustainably by building the frameworks, guardrails, and patterns that make that possible
• Keep users informed on priorities and roadmap
• Mentor and collaborate with other engineers on the team

Qualifications

What You Bring

• Strong Python, with experience building and running production backend or serving systems
• Experience working in large, evolving codebases, and the judgment to improve them without slowing down the people who depend on them
• Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases; PostgreSQL a plus
• Experience with AWS and a typical cloud stack (Kubernetes, Kafka, Postgres, Grafana or equivalents)
• A track record of working cross-functionally with scientists or other deeply technical peers, and genuine enjoyment of helping them do their best work, especially as requirements change with the science
• Product instinct and independence: you can sit down with a user, understand the underlying problem, define what to build, and drive it forward without close supervision
• Curiosity regarding quantum computing and what Rigetti is building

Nice to Have

• Scientific computing, data-science, or AI/ML tooling backgrounds
• HPC, national lab, semiconductor, or other hardware-forward R&D environments
• DevOps, SRE, or cloud engineering
• Frontend or data visualization experience, including building tools that help scientists explore and understand their data
• Physics, math, or quantum background of any depth is a plus, but not a requirement

At Rigetti, our mission is to build the world's most powerful computers to solve the world's most challenging problems. Rigetti is a pioneer in superconducting qubits and full-stack quantum computing systems. In addition to introducing the first multi-chip quantum processor, Rigetti has helped lead the way in software systems for quantum computing, with a distributed operating environment for hybrid quantum-classical computing and a state-of-the-art characterization and measurement platform. To continue advancing this work, we are expanding our Internal Software (ISW) team. 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. 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.