Lead Quantum Device Theorist

Rigetti · Berkeley · QPU

senior machine learning Research Scientist ic · Posted Mar 16, 2026
$195,000 – $225,000
USD per-year-salary

As a Lead Quantum Device Theorist, you will play a central role in advancing the performance of our superconducting quantum processors. This position requires deep expertise in circuit QED, quantum device physics, and noise modeling for quantum error correction (QEC). You will work closely with experimental teams to model processor dynamics and lead efforts to improve qubit readout fidelity and quantum gate performance across our R&D platforms.

This role demands strong cross-functional collaboration with specialists in qubit readout, gate calibration, control systems, and superconducting circuit design. Together, you will drive innovations that support scalable architectures, quantum advantage, and fault-tolerant error correction.

We are seeking a candidate who excels at solving complex device-physics challenges in large-scale superconducting quantum processors. You will develop mitigation strategies grounded in first-principles modeling, including optimal Hamiltonian engineering, noise-spectral analysis, and system-level simulations spanning design, and post-deployment characterization. This role requires deep expertise in circuit QED, tunable coupler architectures, multi-level system dynamics, and decoherence mechanisms, along with the ability to translate theoretical insights into experimentally actionable improvements in gate and readout performance. Strong collaboration across device design, calibration, and control teams is essential.

Key Responsibilities

    • Develop and maintain advanced simulation tools to accurately model noise sources in flux-tunable superconducting qubits

    • Model and analyze entangling gate operations on superconducting quantum processors

    • Apply optimal control techniques to improve quantum gate and readout performance

    • Develop analytical tools to interpret experimental measurements and diagnose performance anomalies

    • Perform detailed error-budget modeling to support quantum error correction (QEC) efforts

    • Collaborate cross-functionally with teams in gate operations, measurement, device design, applications, algorithms, and control engineering.

Required Qualifications

    • Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, plus 5+ years of relevant work experience

    • Modeling noise in large scale processors and inform Hamiltonian designs 

    • Experience simulating open quantum systems

    • Experience collaborating with experimentalists on readout and noise characterization; analyzing and interpreting experimental data, and predicting anomalies

    • Background in gate-based quantum computing or superconducting circuits, either academically or in industry

    • Demonstrated depth and breadth in circuit QED physics, including Hamiltonian modeling, dispersive readout theory, and multi-qubit coupling architectures

    • Proven expertise in noise modeling for quantum error correction, including coherent and incoherent error channels, leakage, crosstalk, and correlated noise

    • Strong programming skills in Python for scientific applications

    • Ability to excel in a collaborative environment

    • Excellent communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

    • Experience with optimal control theory applied to superconducting qubits.

    • Familiarity with quantum error correction codes and fault-tolerant architectures.

    • Track record of publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals.

    • Experience with high-performance computing or GPU-accelerated simulations.

    • Proficiency with scientific computing libraries such as QuTiP, or Stim.

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.
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