Senior Software Engineer, Internal Systems

Lever, Inc.; Berkeley, Fremont (CA, CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Rigetti Computing is seeking an ISW software engineer to build and maintain data-driven Python services, from backend systems to supporting tools used by quantum engineers.

The role emphasizes collaboration with scientists and fab engineers, shipping reliable software that accelerates hardware development, with opportunities to grow as Rigetti evolves in a fast-moving R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Strong Python and production backend experience.
• Experience with large, evolving codebases and safe refactoring.
• SQL and relational DB knowledge; PostgreSQL a plus.
• Experience with AWS and cloud stack (Kubernetes, Kafka, Postgres, Grafana).
• Cross-functional collaboration with scientists/technical peers.
• Product mindset and independence: define and build for users.
• Curiosity about quantum computing.

Responsibilities

• Own and improve data-intensive Python backend services.
• Collaborate with quantum engineers and fab teams to translate needs into scalable software.
• Maintain data integrity through migrations and compatibility testing.
• Monitor and improve performance of user workflows and platform observability.
• Build safe AI coding agent frameworks and guardrails for scientists.
• Keep users informed on priorities and roadmap.
• Mentor and collaborate with other engineers.

Skills

Python

Backend development

SQL

PostgreSQL

AWS

Kubernetes

Kafka

Cross-functional collaboration

Product instinct

Independent work

Quantum computing curiosity

Tools

Grafana

PostgreSQL

Kubernetes

Kafka

AWS

DevOps basics

Job description

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 led 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're expanding our Internal Software (ISW) team.

The Opportunity

ISW enables Rigetti's physicists and fabrication engineers to build better quantum hardware. Our work spans the measurement and characterization platform our quantum engineers rely on every day; the design, layout, and process tooling in our in-house chip fabrication facility; the cloud and on-site infrastructure underneath both; and the analytic environments in between. We also support external customers through our cloud services and on-site deployments. Our users are deeply expert in their own fields, and our job is to give them software that helps them move faster and trust their results.

We're a small, senior team that enjoys hard problems and working alongside people who know things we don't. The work is a mix of strengthening the experimental Python systems our scientists depend on and building new ones as the science moves forward. Because ISW touches so much of the company, there's real room to grow, whether that means going deeper in an area you care about or taking on something new as Rigetti evolves. It's a rare chance to do serious software engineering a few steps from the hardware itself: the code you write shapes how quantum chips are designed, built, and measured.

We're looking for intellectually curious software engineers who want to grow alongside supportive, like-minded colleagues in an R&D-driven environment. No domain background required; you'll learn it from some of the best people in the field.

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

Base Salary

$180,000 - $250,000 a year

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.