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 scaling our hardware capabilities and building the systems needed to deliver reliable, high-performance quantum processors.
Role Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Quality Assurance Engineer to build and lead the Quality function at Rigetti. This highly hands-on role will be responsible for establishing a practical, scalable Quality Management System (QMS) while working closely with engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure our hardware meets the extreme standards required for quantum computing.
In this role, you will operate at both the strategic and tactical levels:
Defining processes and systems from the ground up
Engaging directly in inspection, supplier quality, and issue resolution
You will own incoming quality, non-conformance handling, and corrective action processes, with a strong focus on:
High-tolerance machined components
PCBAs
RF/Microwave hardware used in cryogenic environments
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-moving, low-process environment and is comfortable building structure where little exists today.
What You’ll Be Doing
Own Incoming Quality Control (IQC), including:
Direct responsibility for all incoming quality inspection and documentation
Inspection plans, sampling strategies and acceptance criteria
Build and implement a right-sized Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with industry best practices, tailored for a fast-paced hardware organization
Perform and oversee inspection of high-precision components:
Tight-tolerance machined parts
PCBAs
RF hardware
Establish and manage Non-Conformance Reporting (NCR) processes:
Documentation and tracking
Root cause analysis
Resolution and closure
Lead material review and disposition decisions (use-as-is, rework, scrap) in collaboration with engineering and supply chain
Drive Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) with internal teams and external vendors
Partner directly with suppliers to:
Resolve quality issues
Improve processes and consistency
Conduct audits and follow-ups
Define and track key quality metrics including incoming yield, defect trends, supplier performance
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by embedding quality early. Define requirements, establish inspection methods and implement controls before scale
Introduce lightweight but effective documentation practices, traceability systems and revision control
Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives across hardware development and manufacturing
What You Bring
5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or Quality Management in hardware or advanced manufacturing environments
Strong experience with precision machined parts, PCBAs, RF hardware (preferred)
Demonstrated ability to build or scale quality systems in a startup or low-process environment
Deep understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, inspection methodologies
Experience managing supplier quality and driving vendor accountability
Proficiency with root cause analysis tools, including 5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D and related methodologies
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and technical specifications
Strong organizational and documentation skills
Willingness to be hands-on and operate across both strategy and execution
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or Quality Management in hardware or advanced manufacturing environments
- Strong experience with precision machined parts, PCBAs, RF hardware
- Demonstrated ability to build or scale quality systems in a startup or low-process environment
- Deep understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and inspection methodologies
- Experience managing supplier quality and driving vendor accountability
- Proficiency with root cause analysis tools, including 5 Whys, Fishbone, and 8D
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and technical specifications
- Strong organizational and documentation skills; willingness to be hands-on across strategy and execution
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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.
