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Posted August 22, 2026

Lead Quantum Engineer, Systems Performance

Rigetti Computing
Berkeley, CA, US Full Time
190000USD - 225000USD per year

Job Description

Job Description

Rigetti is seeking a Lead Quantum Engineer for the Systems Performance team.

In this position you will play a critical role in shaping our technical roadmap. You will lead a cross-functional team focused on building the next generation of Rigetti’s quantum hardware, and take a high-ownership role in delivering the technologies required to unlock new levels of performance at scale.

In your daily work, you will propose new ideas to push the performance and scalability of superconducting qubit systems, design and execute experiments to test those ideas, and lead a diverse set of engineers and scientists to identify and mitigate key performance gaps.

The right candidate will have a demonstrated track record of scientific success across multiple institutions, technical leadership experience, a high-ownership mentality, and strong organization and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and lead cross-functional experimental programs to inform the technical roadmap and drive systems-level improvements.

  • Propose and explore new technical directions.

  • Identify and address complex gaps in existing technology.

  • Own the delivery of key quantum hardware technologies.

About You

  • PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

  • Prior technical role in an industry or start-up environment.

  • Demonstrated technical leadership experience.

  • Direct experience with cryogenic systems and RF measurement techniques

  • Extensive hands-on experience with time-domain measurement, and superconducting quantum devices.

  • Track record of meaningful accomplishments in quantum science or related fields.

  • Working knowledge of Python.

  • Enjoys teamwork and inter-team collaboration.

  • Excellent communication skills.

Nice to Have

  • Strong coding skills.

  • Familiarity with cQED simulation tools.

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 a vacation 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.

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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.

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