Quantum Engineer

As a Quantum Engineer at Rigetti Computing, you will be a key contributor to the development of our gate-based, superconducting quantum computers. Your work will turn experimental ideas into ever-improving hardware functionality through rigorous characterization of qubits and gates, implementation of new measurement techniques, and interpretation of processor data. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams spanning device design, cryogenic/microwave hardware, control systems, fabrication, and software to push the boundaries of quantum computing to the scale and performance required for practical quantum computing and error correction.

This is a general job posting for experimental physicists that leads to consideration for a targeted role with a specific focus. Topics could include: gate calibration, qubit relaxation and/or dephasing, piloting new research ideas in small processors, integration of new ideas into large processors, or implementation of quantum error correction.

Your training and achievements as an experimental physicist in quantum information mean that you, more than anyone else, already know how hard this will be. And that’s why you’ve sought us out.

Key Responsibilities

• Characterizing experimental devices, assessing their performance, identifying areas for improvement, and providing feedback to internal development teams.

• Providing technical focus and leadership on a particular R&D topic, which could include gate calibration, qubit relaxation and/or dephasing, piloting new research ideas in small processors, integration of new ideas into large processors, or implementation of quantum error correction.

• Collaborating across diverse teams of expert engineers (fab, design, electronics, software, etc.) to turn experimental concepts into robust technologies that work at large QPU scales.

• Staying current with cutting-edge research, synthesizing results from the literature, and implementing state-of-the-art calibration, error diagnostic, and system optimization techniques to enhance device performance.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or similar applied scientific field, or Masters’ in Physics with 2+ years relevant industry experience.

• Demonstrated abilities in experimental problem solving and experimental research.

• Expertise in the practical implementation of coherent quantum effects and control.

• Proficiency using Python in a scientific context.

• Ability to thrive in a strongly collaborative environment, with a team-first mindset.

• Excellent communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience calibrating and characterizing single- and two-qubit quantum gates in superconducting quantum devices.

• Experience utilizing quantum simulation frameworks, such as QuTip.

• Proven capability to execute and effectively communicate outcomes from innovative research and development initiatives.

• Software development experience in a collaborative industry setting.

• Previous technical role in an industrial or startup setting.