About the role
Rigetti Computing - Microwave and Cryogenics Engineer Microwave and Cryogenics Engineer Fremont, CA QPU – QPU Engineering Operations / Full-time / On-site apply for this job Rigetti Computing is building the world’s most powerful computers to help solve humanity’s most pressing problems. Our quantum computing technology has the potential to transform nearly every industry over the coming decades. As a public company with deep roots in research and engineering, we are expanding our Engineering Operations team to support rapid advances in quantum hardware. Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Microwave and Cryogenics Test Engineer to join our Fremont, CA Engineering Operations team. This is a hands-on, operations-focused role in a highly collaborative, research-driven environment. In this role, you will work closely with physicists, engineers, and technicians to assemble, test, and support advanced RF and cryogenic systems that enable next-generation quantum processors. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining cryogenic infrastructure, characterizing custom RF hardware, developing best practices, and troubleshooting complex systems that span RF, vacuum, cryogenics, and electronics. The ideal candidate brings deep laboratory experience with R&D hardware and has contributed hands-on within interdisciplinary teams in industry, academia, or national labs. What You'll Be Doing Test, validate, and debug custom RF control systems using advanced electronic test equipment such as network analyzers, oscilloscopes, DMMs, and internally developed tools Operate, troubleshoot, service, and maintain cryogenic and vacuum systems, including scroll pumps, turbo pumps, cryo compressors, high-vacuum components, and cold traps Perform helium leak detection, pump rebuilds, and thermal system management Assemble, validate, and install complex electro-mechanical, cryogenic, vacuum, and RF assemblies with exceptional attention to detail Contribute to test plan development and execute validation testing for next-generation RF hardware Participate in an on-call rotation to support cryogenic systems uptime Prepare, inspect, and package quantum chip assemblies for testing Follow established procedures and contribute to the creation and improvement of standard operating procedures and best practices Read and interpret CAD drawings, schematics, and engineering specifications Support external system installations and work directly with customers and partners (up to ~20% travel) What You Bring Technical background in Physics, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industrial or military experience (MS or PhD a plus) Strong proficiency with general-purpose electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, network analyzers, multimeters, DC power supplies, etc.) Substantial hands-on experience working with sub-Kelvin cryogenic systems Experience operating and maintaining high-availability laboratory or industrial equipment Experience assembling, servicing, and maintaining scientific instruments or complex electro-mechanical systems Familiarity with vacuum systems, vacuum plumbing, P&IDs, and standard fittings and practices Working knowledge of statistical methods for test and validation (e.g., DOE, Six Sigma, simulation) Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills Experience working with external vendors and partners