Senior FPGA Architect, Control Systems

Rigetti is seeking a Senior FPGA Architect to join the development of FPGA-based control hardware used to drive our quantum processors. In this role, you will define FPGA architectures, implement high-performance digital logic, and collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, and quantum engineering teams to build scalable, low-latency control systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve a custom microprocessor responsible for waveform generation and critical logic to operate a quantum computer
• Work closely with hardware, firmware, and software teams to define architecture, data flow, and interfaces.
• Implement, simulate, and verify designs including DSP pipelines, control logic, and high-speed I/O.
• Optimize designs for latency, resource utilization, and robustness in production environments.
• Develop and maintain testbenches, verification flows, and CI.
• Support bring-up, lab validation, and debugging in collaboration with Quantum Engineering on actual quantum computers.
• Contribute to the long-term roadmap for the architecture of Rigetti's control systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of experience in FPGA design and development for complex mixed signal systems.
• Experience architecting a new design from the ground-up
• Proficiency in Verilog and/or VHDL, along with experience using an industry-standard FPGA toolchain (Xilinx, Intel/Altera, or similar).
• Strong understanding of at least one of processor architecture design (memory bandwidth, caches, instruction decoding latency, etc.) and/or digital signal processing (filter design and implementation, IIR, FIR, FFT, polyphase filters, multi-rate systems).
• Experience with high-speed serial interfaces (e.g., PCIe, JESD, SERDES).
• Solid understanding of digital design fundamentals: timing closure, CDC, reset strategies, resource utilization, and verification.
• Experience collaborating on cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with RF/microwave or mixed-signal systems
• Familiarity with ASIC design
• Experience with real-time control systems, data acquisition, or instrumentation.
• Exposure to quantum computing, test and measurement equipment, and the scientific python stack.

$155,000 - $190,000 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.

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

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Export Licensing Compliance

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.