Senior Quality Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on Quality Assurance Engineer to build and lead the Quality function at Rigetti. This role will establish 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. You will operate at both the strategic and tactical levels: defining processes and systems from the ground up and engaging directly in inspection, supplier quality, and issue resolution.

Responsibilities

• 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, and 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

Requirements

• 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, and 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

Pay

$165,000 - $190,000 a year (Base Salary)

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and equity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Paid parental leave program
• Rejuvenation days
• Vacation policy aligned with local regulations and industry standards

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. Rigetti designs and manufactures its quantum chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. The company is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture to attract and engage innovative thinkers.