The Role
Rigetti Computing is at the forefront of building scalable quantum computers. We are seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to architect, design, develop, and optimize advanced hardware systems that form the backbone of our next-generation quantum computing platforms. In this role, you will lead the mechanical design and integration of hardware that enables RF signal delivery and silicon device packaging within dilution refrigerators. These systems form the critical interface between room-temperature control electronics and ultra-low-temperature environments where superconducting qubits operate. You will collaborate closely with quantum device physicists, electrical/RF engineers, systems integration teams, and external fabrication partners to deliver innovative, high-performance mechanical systems for customer-deployed quantum computers.
Key Responsibilities: System Design & Development
- Lead the mechanical design of complex hardware subsystems including cryostat internal architecture, custom components for signal chain and metal enclosures
- Develop and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
- Drive end-to-end design of mechanical interfaces from room temperature down to the millikelvin regime
- Design thermal anchoring and shielding systems optimized for mechanical stability and quantum coherence
- Perform thermal, vibrational, and structural simulations using FEA tools to ensure performance and robustness
- Build and validate mechanical/cryogenic prototypes in lab
- Collaborate with quantum physics teams to ensure system-level functionality in live quantum experiments
- Work closely with hardware, cryo, RF, and systems teams to deliver integrated, scalable quantum hardware platforms
- Develop specifications for outsourced components and manage supplier relationships for critical assemblies such as vacuum flanges, cryo fixtures, and RF housings
- Author assembly documentation, and maintain design traceability in PLM system
Required Qualifications
- M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent field
- 7+ years of industry experience in mechanical design and systems engineering
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
- Strong background in tolerance analysis and GD&T principles
- Experience in thermal and structural modeling and simulation
- Familiarity with documentation control, revision management, and PLM tools
- Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and project collaboration skills
- Demonstrated ability to develop and document assembly processes
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with thermal-mechanical effects in cryogenic materials and multi-physics system design
- Experience with RF packaging and electronic device integration in cryogenic or vacuum environments
- Quality assurance experience including inspection methodologies and non-conformance resolution
- Hands-on machining or fabrication experience to support rapid prototyping and design iteration
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 www.rigetti.com.
Don't see the job you want? Apply here so we can keep in touch with you when the right role opens up in the future!
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.
Similar Jobs
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Rigetti Computing is building the world’s most powerful computers to help solve humanity’s most pressing and important problems. These systems will perform computations that today’s fastest supercomputers are incapable of — unlocking entirely new classes of problems and offering a direct path to solutions. We believe quantum computing is going to significantly affect health care, how we treat disease, how we generate energy, and how we feed humanity. Our superconducting quantum computing systems are available over the cloud via Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services.
We were founded in 2013 by Chad Rigetti. We are located in Berkeley and Fremont, California, and have employees based all over the world.
