Senior Quantum Engineer · Rigetti Computing

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:54:54 GMT
Engineering

Rigetti Computing · United States · onsite

We are looking for a Senior Quantum Engineer with expertise in superconducting qubits to join our hardware R&D team.

This role is for someone who wants to work on technically difficult problems that directly shape a quantum hardware platform. You will not be optimising within a fixed roadmap, you will help define it.

You will design, execute, and interpret experiments that push the performance and scalability of superconducting qubit systems. You will develop new gate schemes, explore advanced control protocols, and test architectural ideas that can influence platform-level decisions.

We operate in direct competition with the best-funded and most established teams in the world. We are looking for someone who finds that motivating.

You will have a high degree of autonomy and ownership while working in a collaborative environment. If you have a strong technical hypothesis, you will be expected to test it rigorously and defend it with data. Strong ideas move quickly through experimental validation.

Responsibilities

Develop experimental programs on superconducting qubit devices.

Develop and optimise high-fidelity quantum gates.

Design and test novel control and coupling strategies.

Identify fundamental performance bottlenecks and isolate their physical origin.

Analyse data with scientific rigour to extract insight, not just metrics.

Collaborate across device, fabrication, and control teams to translate ideas into hardware progress.

Requirements

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

Extensive hands-on experience with superconducting qubits.

Strong background in gate design, pulse engineering, and decoherence mechanisms.

Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex experimental efforts from concept to validated result.

Intellectual independence, technical courage, and the ability to defend ideas with evidence.

Motivation to compete at the highest technical level in the field.

This position is best suited for someone who wants visible impact, real ownership, and the opportunity to help shape the direction of a quantum hardware platform, not just contribute to a small piece of it.

Additional Information

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.