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Lead Quantum Engineer, Readout

Rigetti ComputingBerkeley, California, United StatesOnsite
As Lead Quantum Engineer, Readout, you will lead initiatives to optimize superconducting qubit readout and reset on our quantum processors and fault-tolerant prototypes. Working alongside theorists as well as the hardware and device design teams, you will develop and execute on wide-ranging experimental programs to empirically characterize and improve measurement protocols, signal chains, amplifiers, and device designs. Using the resulting empirical and theoretical models, you will develop fast, high-fidelity readout and reset in our most advanced quantum computers.

Key Responsibilities


  • Lead Rigetti’s experimental programs to characterize and improve the full readout stack
  • Develop models for readout performance (both inside and outside of the rotating wave approximation) and use them to design readout circuits capable of fast, high-fidelity operation
  • Identify novel measurement techniques and pulse optimizations to better characterize and improve readout performance, and implement these in Rigetti’s Python-based calibration and characterization software
  • Corroborate experimental results with detailed theory and simulation
  • Work with the hardware and device design teams to design shortloops and test-chips intended to isolate relevant aspects of the full readout stack and accelerate R&D
  • Develop fast qubit reset protocols to accelerate circuit execution and enable error-correcting codes
  • Optimize Rigetti’s readout for quantum error correction, including high fidelity, rapid mid-circuit measurement and ancilla readout
  • Collaborate with diverse teams of engineers and scientists in device theory, algorithms, software, control hardware, chip design, and gate operation

Required Qualifications


  • Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field, plus 2+ years of industry or postdoctoral experience
  • Expertise in circuit quantum electrodynamics and dispersive readout in particular
  • Demonstrated ability to perform measurements on quantum systems and explain the results through theory and/or simulation
  • Exposure to superconducting qubits, either in academic or industrial settings
  • Experience with software development in an industry setting, in languages such as Python, C, C++, Rust, etc.
  • Experience with low-level pulse optimization of quantum gates or readout
  • Ability to excel in a collaborative environment
  • Excellent communication skills

$190,000 - $230,000 a yearBase salaryRigetti 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 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.Apply for this job

Life at Rigetti Computing

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 are scientists, engineers, builders, and visionaries. We believe quantum computing is going to significantly affect health care, how we treat disease, how we generate energy, and how we feed humanity. Rigetti is the only company deploying full-stack solutions for hybrid classical/quantum computing. Our 19-qubit quantum computer is available online through our Forest platform, and the first commercially useful applications are already under exploration. We were founded in 2013 by Chad Rigetti, and are located Berkeley and Fremont, California.
Thrive Here & What We Value- Quantum Cloud Services interaction in multiple languages- Compliance with local/state regulations on salary ranges- Competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental, vision coverage at 98%- Rejuvenation days- Flexible vacation policy- Commuter benefits- 401(k) plan- Paid parental leave program

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