Lead Quantum Engineer, Readout
Rigetti Computing
Berkeley, CA, USA
Posted on Mar 22, 2025
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
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.