Microwave Engineer, Quantum Processor Microwave Design

Company: Rigetti Computing
Location: Berkeley
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description As a Microwave Engineer in the quantum integrated circuit design team, you will drive systematic improvements to Rigetti Computing’s quantum processors through modeling and design. You will be actively involved in realizing the chips that are at the core of our technology stack. You will contribute to our full-wave electromagnetic simulation workflow and use it to model the performance of superconducting circuits. Drawing from your expertise in full-wave radio-frequency engineering, from fundamental theory through practical application, you will identify and implement improvements to the integrated circuit layout to mitigate loss and crosstalk channels. You will lay out and design microwave multi-qubit circuits for fabrication and develop next-generation quantum processors. Key Responsibilities Design, lay out, and simulate superconducting microwave integrated circuits for quantum processors, with a focus on optimal on-chip signal delivery (routing, filtering, multiplexing, etc…) Simulate the full-wave electromagnetic performance of quantum processors (eigenmode & driven analyses) using commercial finite element software, engineering the mode profile of resonant structures and the coupling between these resonant structures and on-chip feedlines to optimize device performance Interpret simulation and experimental results to identify and mitigate unexpected loss and crosstalk channels, or other undesirable microwave properties of the circuit Collaborate with fabrication and experimental teams to determine different circuit architectures to fabricate and measure Preferred Qualifications PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or the equivalent experience in industry Demonstrated experience with microwave engineering, in theory, simulation and practice, including the design and simulation of resonant structures and waveguides Experience using commercial electromagnetic solvers (HFSS, COMSOL, CST) Formal mathematical skills, specifically linear algebra and numerical methods Programming skills in Python for scientific applications, ideally in industry or a highly collaborative environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to excel in a collaborative environment Nice to Have Experience with 2D CAD tools for integrated circuit layout and the GDS file format Experience with gdspy or similar for automated circuit layout Understanding of quantum mechanics, potentially even circuit quantum electrodynamics Demonstrated contributions to open source software Understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes Experience in a technical role within an industry or startup environment Base Salary Rigetti 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. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Keywords: Rigetti Computing, Santa Cruz , Microwave Engineer, Quantum Processor Microwave Design, Engineering , Berkeley, California