Senior Quantum Engineer - Quantum Gates (Berkeley)

As a Senior Quantum Engineer for our Quantum Gates team, you will be a key contributor to the optimization of our gate-based, superconducting quantum processors. In this role, you will be responsible for improving the fidelity of single- and two-qubit gate fidelities, improving robustness and accuracy of calibration procedures, and more precisely measuring and mitigating sources of gate error. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams spanning hardware, control systems, research & development, and software to push the boundaries of quantum gate performance toward thresholds required for practical quantum computing and error correction.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize calibration methods for both single- and two-qubit gates using advanced techniques such as pulse shaping, dynamical decoupling, and other error suppression strategies.
• Collaborate across diverse teams of expert engineers (fab, design, electronics, software, etc.) to turn proofs of concept for quantum gate calibration into robust, device-wide procedures.
• Characterize experimental devices, identify areas for improvement, and provide feedback to internal design and fabrication teams.
• Stay current with cutting-edge research, synthesize results from the literature, and implement state-of-the-art calibration tools, error diagnostics, and system optimization techniques to enhance gate performance and reduce error rates.
• Serve as a technical mentor, providing guidance and expertise for more junior engineers and researchers.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or similar applied scientific field.
• Demonstrated capabilities with Python in a scientific context.
• Experience calibrating and characterizing single- and two-qubit quantum gates in superconducting quantum devices.
• Expertise in the practical implementation of coherent quantum effects and control.
• Ability to thrive in a strongly collaborative environment, with a team-first mindset.
• Excellent communication skills.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with standard practices in DSP and RF signal engineering.
• Experience with quantum simulation frameworks like QuTip.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate, plan, prioritize, and execute novel research and development projects, potentially spanning multiple teams.
• Prior technical role in an industry or start-up environment.

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 by Chad Rigetti and today employs more than 130 people with offices in the United States, U.K., and Australia. Learn more at www.rigetti.com.

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Export Licensing Compliance

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license. In order to ensure compliance, Rigetti must determine U.S. citizenship or U.S. visa/immigration status of all prospective applicants for this position.

Any citizenship information provided will be reviewed solely for export control compliance purposes. Only applicants eligible to receive export-controlled items, software, technology, and information will be considered for this position. Citizenship information will be handled in accordance with Rigetti’s policies prohibiting discrimination based upon classifications protected by federal, state, or local law.

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.