Senior Quantum Engineer, Quantum Integrated Circuit Design

Quantum Engineer

As a Quantum Engineer in the quantum integrated circuit design team, you will drive systematic improvements to Rigetti Computing's quantum processors through modeling and design. You will be actively involved in realizing the chips that are at the core of our technology stack. You will contribute to our full-wave electromagnetic simulation workflows and use it to model the performance of superconducting circuits. Drawing from your expertise in circuit Quantum Electrodynamics and full-wave radio-frequency engineering, from fundamental theory through practical application, you will identify and implement improvements to the integrated circuit layout to mitigate loss and crosstalk channels. You will lay out and design microwave multi-qubit circuits for fabrication and develop next-generation quantum processors.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, lay out, and simulate superconducting microwave integrated circuits for quantum processors, with a focus on optimal on-chip signal delivery (routing, filtering, multiplexing, etc…)
• Simulate the full-wave electromagnetic performance of quantum processors (eigenmode & driven analyses) using commercial finite element software, engineering the mode profile of resonant structures and the coupling between these resonant structures and on-chip feedlines to optimize device performance
• Engage with quantum engineers to identify and optimize Hamiltonian parameters for our R&D test devices and deployed quantum processors.
• Map between target quantum Hamiltonians and integrated circuit layouts using internal python software libraries to construct and diagonalize the quantum Hamiltonian
• Interpret simulation and experimental results to identify and mitigate loss and crosstalk channels, or other undesirable microwave properties of the circuit
• Collaborate with fabrication and experimental teams to develop novel processor architectures

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or the equivalent experience in industry and 3+ years of industry experience
• Strong background in the theory and application of circuit Quantum Electrodynamics to the design of superconducting qubit based quantum processors
• Demonstrated experience with microwave engineering in theory, simulation and practice, including the design and simulation of resonant structures and waveguides
• Experience using commercial electromagnetic solvers (HFSS, COMSOL, CST, etc…)
• Experience with 2D CAD tools for integrated circuit layout and the GDS file format
• Programming skills in Python for scientific applications, ideally in industry or a highly collaborative environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to excel in a collaborative environment

Nice to Have

• Formal mathematical skills, specifically linear algebra and numerical methods
• Experience with gdspy or similar for automated circuit layout
• Experience with APIs for common commercial electromagnetic solvers
• Demonstrated contributions to open source software
• Understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes, particularly superconducting qubit fabrication
• Experience in a technical role within a startup environment

$175,000 - $205,000 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 a vacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.

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 and today employs more than 150 people with offices in the United States, U.K., and Australia. Learn more at