Microwave and Cryogenics Test Engineer

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.

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.

• 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)

• 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, PIDs, 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

• Hands‑on experience with dilution refrigerators or similar ultra‑low‑temperature cryogenic systems
• Programming or scripting experience in Python or related languages

$115,000 - $140,000 a year

Base Salary. Rigetti complies with all local and state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location. Rigetti offers a full slate of benefits from competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental and vision for employees as well as a 401(k) plan, a paid parental leave program, rejuvenation days, and vacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.

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…