Materials & Process Engineer

Rigetti Computing is building the world’s most powerful computers to solve humanity’s most pressing problems. We believe this technology will fundamentally change the world for the better and will affect nearly every industry over the coming decades. Now a public company, Rigetti is looking to expand its R&D capabilities to continue to bring this pivotal technology to life.

As a Materials & Process Engineer on the Hardware team at Rigetti, you will develop cutting-edge solutions to enable scaling of quantum computers with improved performance and higher qubit counts. Your work will enable the development of cutting-edge PCB, flexible cables, and custom interconnects and assembly solutions that enable DC and RF signaling to our quantum devices at cryogenic temperatures. You will be working closely with a team of electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and physicists, as well as outside component suppliers and manufacturing partners to define component, assembly & manufacturing processes  that meet these scaling & performance challenges. You will guide supplier process development and integrate components into the R&D and production release workflows in support of new, cutting-edge quantum computer systems.

The ideal candidate brings experience working with suppliers on the materials and processes used in PCBs, flexible electronics, connectors and related assemblies, preferably using innovative materials. You enjoy working in a multi-disciplinary environment, and you excel at translating functional requirements into prototypes and then guiding those products through development into low-volume manufacturing.  You are able to identify requirements and constraints and manage effective test programs that navigate these inputs. You are a strong communicator who keeps stakeholders informed and involved.

• Materials selection and manufacturing process development of PCB, flexible cables and Interconnect components for use in cryogenic environments
• Collaborate with outside suppliers and manufacturing partners to develop and validate custom hardware solutions, ensuring that project deliverables and timelines are clearly defined, communicated and updated
• Develop and document validation test plans, incorporating pass/fail criteria that align with hardware performance targets
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to define and document process flows, integration challenges, and ongoing quality improvements
• Perform failure analysis and feed root cause data back into the development cycle for iterative design and process improvement
• Support Supply Chain team through supplier visits

• 7+ years of relevant industry or military experience
• BS or higher degree in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent technical experience preferred
• Understanding of PCB, Flex design and fabrication, including IPC standard A-600, 610  and 6013, integration challenges, materials choice and assembly processes
• RF/microwave engineering fundamentals, including S-parameter characterization
• Solid experience in a hardware R&D environment from concept to prototype to production
• Strong track record of defining and documenting test plans, and integrating test results into the iterative hardware development process including supplier manufacturing process development
• Hands-on experience with identifying and solving defects & process control issues in PCB, flex, and related DC and RF components, both in-house and at partners/suppliers
• Superb technical communication and collaboration skills in a multi-domain environment including mechanical engineers and physicists as well as suppliers for corrective actions and yield improvements
• Experience with low-temperature measurement and superconducting materials is a strong plus
• You are a curious person with a strong appetite for learning. You are a team player, and you bring a solutions-oriented approach to problem solving.

• Familiarity with a PCB layout tool such as Altium Designer
• Familiarity with cryogenic environment and thermal engineering

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.