---
title: 'Senior Mechanical Engineer - Cryogenic at Rigetti Computing'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-engineer-cryogenic-rigetti-computing-berkeley-y0q9887364d2'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-10'
---

# Senior Mechanical Engineer - Cryogenic at Rigetti Computing

- **Company:** Rigetti Computing
- **Location:** Berkeley, CA
- **Compensation:** $165k–$190k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-08-04
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/rigetti/1f07b3ce-fb02-429e-beaf-5c4c88d135ca

## Job description

Rigetti Computing builds full-stack quantum computers — from superconducting qubit devices fabricated in our own foundry to cloud-accessible quantum processors. We are seeking a Senior Mechanical/Cryogenic Engineer to own the mechanical architecture of our quantum hardware systems, from room-temperature infrastructure down to the millikelvin core of our dilution refrigerators. You will lead the design of the cryogenic signal chain, define mechanical interfaces across thermal stages, and work directly alongside quantum physicists, RF engineers, and systems teams. This is a high-ownership role: you will drive design decisions end-to-end, from concept through qualification, on some of the most technically demanding hardware in the industry.

## Key Responsibilities

Cryogenic Hardware Design

▸   Own the mechanical design of cryogenic hardware from 300 K to millikelvin — thermal anchoring, RF wiring, flex interconnects, coaxial routing, filter housings, and connector packaging across all temperature stages.

▸   Lead the full design lifecycle: concept, CAD, GD&T drawings, BOMs, tolerance analysis, prototype builds, qualification testing, and manufacturing release.

▸   Define cryogenic mechanical interfaces and thermal conduction budgets; drive design-for-manufacturability with external machine shops and precision vendors.

Simulation & Analysis

▸   Perform mechanical, thermal, and vibration analyses independently using COMSOL, ANSYS, or equivalent; use simulation results to drive design decisions and iteration.

▸   Conduct tolerance stack-up analyses for multi-component assemblies in constrained cryostat environments.

Integration, Leadership & Collaboration

▸   Lead prototype builds, system integration, and cryogenic bring-up; diagnose integration failures and drive root cause analysis.

▸   Serve as the mechanical lead in cross-functional programs alongside quantum physicists, RF engineers, and systems teams, mentor junior engineers and lead design reviews.

▸   Maintain rigorous documentation — CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and revision-controlled design records — within the company PLM system.

Required Qualifications

▸   B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field (M.S. preferred).

▸   7+ years designing complex mechanical or electromechanical systems with end-to-end hardware ownership.

▸   Expert-level SolidWorks — large assemblies, GD&T-compliant drawing packages, and DFM workflows.

▸   Independent proficiency in SolidWorks, COMSOL or ANSYS for thermal and structural analysis.

▸   Experience with hardware operating in cryogenic, vacuum, or extreme thermal environments.

▸   Strong ME fundamentals: stress analysis, tolerance stack-ups, materials selection, and failure mode analysis.

▸   Proven ability to lead technical efforts and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

## Preferred Qualifications

▸   Direct experience with dilution refrigerators, cryostats, or sub-Kelvin systems in quantum computing or precision instrumentation.

▸   Knowledge of superconducting quantum hardware architecture and millikelvin design constraints.

▸   RF/microwave packaging experience: connector specification, hermetic sealing, and cable routing in cryostats.

▸   Familiarity with cleanroom protocols, vacuum-compatible assembly, and contamination-sensitive environments.

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.

## About Rigetti Computing

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Rigetti Computing builds full-stack superconducting quantum computers and processors, offering cloud-based quantum computing services to enterprises, governments, and researchers.
- **Entity Type**: Public (NASDAQ: RGTI)
- **Headquarters**: Berkeley, California, USA
- **Founded**: 2013
- **Founders**: Chad Rigetti

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Quantum computing hardware and software, superconducting quantum processors, cloud quantum services.
- **Target customers**: B2B, Enterprise, Government, Research institutions (DOE, DOD, national labs, financial institutions, hyperscalers).
- **Mission or purpose**: Build the world’s most powerful computers to help solve humanity’s most important and pressing problems.

## Products & Services
- **Quantum Processors (QPU)**: Superconducting quantum chips, including the latest Cepheus-1-108Q (108-qubit chiplet-based system) with 99.1% median two-qubit gate fidelity. Available via cloud and on-premises.
- **Quantum Cloud Services (QCS)**: Platform for hybrid quantum-classical computing, offering ultra-low latency connectivity between classical HPC and Rigetti QPUs. Accessible via AWS Braket, Microsoft Azure, and qBraid.
- **Fab-1**: Dedicated quantum integrated circuit foundry in Fremont, CA, enabling vertical integration for chip design and fabrication.
- **Open-Source Software**: Suite of tools for writing, simulating, and running quantum programs (e.g., Quilc, pyQuil).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available in provided sources (public company, ticker RGTI; market cap varies with trading).
- **Key Metric**: ~$569 million cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale investments (as of March 31, 2026). Also, 19 quantum systems deployed to date.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Quanta (committed $250M over 5 years, $35M invested at $11.59/share), UK National Quantum Computing Centre, Air Force Research Lab, C-DAC (India), Fermilab SQMS Center, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, ADIA Lab, Moody’s Analytics, NASA, USRA, AWS, Microsoft Azure.
- **Growth Signals**: Deployed 108-qubit chiplet system in April 2026; aiming for 1,000+ qubits at 99.9% median 2Q fidelity within ~3 years; expanding into Asian markets (India, Japan); 285 issued/pending patents; 164 employees; 70,000 combined sq. ft. of facilities.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vertical integration**: Full ownership of Fab-1, the world’s first dedicated quantum chip foundry, enabling rapid iteration and proprietary chiplet scaling.
- **Chiplet architecture**: Demonstrated scaling path from 9-qubit chiplets to 108-qubit systems, with a roadmap to 1,000+ qubits.
- **Fast gate speeds**: 60 ns two-qubit gate speed (targeting <50 ns) with high fidelity (99.1% median 2Q, 99.9% 1Q). Best-in-class coherence times (T1 ~40 µs).
- **Strong IP portfolio**: 123 issued and 162 pending patents covering quantum engineering, fabrication, and algorithms.
- **Multi-cloud distribution**: QPUs integrated into AWS, Azure, and other cloud providers, lowering access barriers for customers.

## Strategic Focus
- **Technology roadmap**: Improve median two-qubit gate fidelity to 99.5% in 2026, then to 99.9% at <50 ns gate speed while scaling to 1,000+ qubits to achieve quantum advantage in ~3 years.
- **Commercial expansion**: Target government-sponsored deployments and on-premises sales (e.g., UK, India, Japan) to drive technology development until quantum advantage is realized.
- **Partnerships**: Deepen collaboration with Quanta (joint investment of $500M over 5 years) and financial sector leaders to develop practical quantum use cases.
- **Financial strength**: Maintain strong cash position (~$569M) to fund R&D and scaling efforts.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a "growth mindset" — employees are encouraged to challenge assumptions, learn from failures, and shape the future of quantum computing.
- **Compensation & benefits**: Full-time employees receive stock-based compensation (ownership in the company), comprehensive medical/dental/vision (96% of employee and 93% of dependent premiums covered), flexible vacation policy, remote work options, and generous parental and military leave.
- **Work environment**: ~164 employees across Berkeley HQ and Fremont Fab-1; hybrid/remote flexibility; early-career talent development through embedded internship programs.
- **Engineering culture**: World-class team of experts (58 PhDs) working on cutting-edge superconducting quantum systems, from chip design to cloud deployment. Opportunities to contribute to real projects in quantum software, algorithms, hardware, and systems.

## Sources
1. [Rigetti Careers Page](https://www.rigetti.com/careers)
2. [Rigetti About Page](https://www.rigetti.com/about-rigetti-computing)
3. [Rigetti Investor Deck - June 2026](https://investors.rigetti.com/static-files/fbac3801-223f-4f0f-a207-47d25084a1d7)
4. [Rigetti Job Listings (Lever)](https://jobs.lever.co/rigetti)
5. [Rigetti Homepage (System Specs)](https://www.rigetti.com/)

## Other roles at Rigetti Computing

- [Field Engineer: Cryogenics & RF Hardware](https://feeny.ai/job/field-engineer-cryogenics-rf-hardware-rigetti-computing-berkeley-ca-or-fremont-z7tz70gq1r43) — Berkeley CA OR Fremont, CA
- [Lead Quantum Engineer, Systems Performance](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-quantum-engineer-systems-performance-rigetti-computing-berkeley-xrx3qcnc1hb5) — Berkeley, CA
- [Senior Quantum Engineer, Gate Calibration](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-quantum-engineer-gate-calibration-rigetti-computing-berkeley-vqsg1847y2k0) — Berkeley, CA
- [Quality Control Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/quality-control-technician-rigetti-computing-berkeley-854mtb4qepq7) — Berkeley, CA
- [Director, Global Quantum System Deployment](https://feeny.ai/job/director-global-quantum-system-deployment-rigetti-computing-berkeley-ca-or-q65xkqs9vf6x) — Berkeley CA OR Fremont, CA
- [Senior Process Engineer - Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-process-engineer-physical-vapor-deposition-pvd-rigetti-computing-fremont-pwbqkhks9v69) — Fremont, CA
- [Senior Quantum Field Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-quantum-field-engineer-rigetti-computing-united-states-united-kingdom-2y3mgzbpms66) — United States / United Kingdom
- [Senior Software Engineering Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-software-engineering-manager-rigetti-computing-berkeley-ca-or-fremont-as2w9n5qm1jw) — Berkeley CA OR Fremont, CA
- [Senior Technical Program Manager (TPM)](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-technical-program-manager-tpm-rigetti-computing-berkeley-a5g35skx4sbe) — Berkeley, CA
- [Future Open Position](https://feeny.ai/job/future-open-position-rigetti-computing-united-states-d0tz4x3f3dyk) — United States