The Role
Rigetti Computing offers summer internships for students and emerging researchers to gain hands-on experience in quantum hardware and software, collaborating on projects to advance quantum technology.
Summary Generated by Built In
About the Program
Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. We design, build, and operate quantum computers and the software that powers them. Our summer internship program offers students and emerging researchers the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists, engineers, and business professionals in an environment focused on innovation, experimentation, and collaboration.
Each internship project is designed to give students hands-on experience in quantum hardware, software, and systems research. Interns join cross-functional project teams contributing to real initiatives that advance quantum technology.
This posting serves as an Expression of Interest for our Summer 2026 Internship Program. We encourage interested students to apply now to stay connected as the program develops.
Check out our 2024 and 2025 blog post to get a look at what an internship at Rigetti looks like!
Potential Internship Areas
- Quantum Hardware Engineering
- Cryogenic & Control Systems Engineering
- Quantum Algorithms & Benchmarking
- Quantum Software & Developer Tools
- Error Detection & Gate Optimization
- Information Technology
- Administration & Operations
Who We're Looking For
- Students who are passionate about quantum computing and motivated to learn in a collaborative, research-driven environment. Some specific things we look for in candidates:
- Strong communication, curiosity, and teamwork skills
- Willingness to learn
- Demonstrated interest or coursework in quantum information science or advanced computing systems
- Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages
- Hands-on laboratory experience or experimental experience
- Currently pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field (qualifications may vary by project)
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of this position. Verification of employment eligibility will be completed at the time of hire, in accordance with federal law. (If you’re unsure about your current eligibility, we encourage you to reach out to your school’s international student services office or visit government sites for more information.)
What to Expect After You Apply
When you apply, you’ll be added to our 2026 Internship Interest List to receive an invitation to our December 2025 Info Session and a direct message when project postings go live. If we haven’t already connected, you can apply directly to the projects that align with your interests!
Timeline
Expression of Interest: Opens November 2025
Information Session: December 2025
Project-Specific Postings Open: February 2026
Interviews: February - March 2026
Posting Closes: March 22, 2026
Match Deadline: April 3, 2026
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.
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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.
Top Skills
Python
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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.
