Field Engineer: Cryogenics & RF Hardware

Job Description

Job Title: Field Engineer: Cryogenics & RF Hardware. Location: Berkeley, CA or Fremont, CA, USA

Responsibilities:

• Test, validate, and debug custom RF control systems using network analyzers, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and other electronic test equipment.
• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot dilution refrigerators, including cooldowns, steady-state operation, and fault diagnosis.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and service cryogenic and vacuum systems, including scroll pumps, turbo pumps, cryogenic compressors, high-vacuum components, and cold traps.
• Perform helium leak detection, pump rebuilds, and thermal system management;
• Assemble, validate, and install complex electro-mechanical, cryogenic, vacuum, and RF assemblies.
• Help develop test plans and perform validation testing for next-generation RF hardware.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to support system uptime across potentially multiple time zones.
• Prepare, inspect, and package quantum chip assemblies for testing.
• Follow established procedures and help create and improve standard operating procedures and best practices.
• Read and interpret CAD drawings, schematics, and engineering specifications;
• Work directly with customer teams across different regions to support system operation, issue resolution, and ongoing optimization.
• Manage international travel logistics, including customs and import requirements, visas, and site-specific access requirements.
• Travel more than 35% of the time, including international travel to customer facilities. Frequency and destinations vary according to program requirements.

Qualifications:

• Technical background in Physics, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industrial experience. MS or PhD is a plus.
• Strong proficiency with electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, network analyzers, multimeters, and DC power supplies.
• Direct hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting dilution refrigerators, which is required.
• Substantial hands-on experience with sub-Kelvin cryogenic systems.
• Experience operating and maintaining high-availability laboratory or industrial equipment;
• Experience assembling, servicing, and maintaining scientific instruments or complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, vacuum plumbing, P&IDs, standard fittings, and vacuum practices.
• Strong experience assembling and debugging vacuum equipment using helium leak detection.
• Working knowledge of statistical methods for testing and validation, such as DOE, Six Sigma, and simulation.
• Strong attention to detail when writing and following Work Instructions and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with external vendors, partners, or customers across different regions and cultural environments.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally on short notice and maintain or obtain required passports and visas.

Preferred:

• Experience in field deployment or on-site support roles at customer or partner facilities, particularly internationally.
• Familiarity with import and export logistics for scientific or electronic equipment.
• Programming or scripting experience in Python or related languages.
• Additional language proficiency relevant to target deployment regions.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary: $115,000 to $140,000 per year.
• Competitive salary and equity.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid parental leave.
• Rejuvenation days.
• Vacation policy aligned with local regulations and industry standards.

Other Information:

• The role supports Rigetti quantum systems deployed at customer facilities around the world and is not tied to a single permanent site.
• Assignments can vary in length and location according to program requirements.
• The position requires international travel and customer-facing support;
• Rigetti is an equal opportunity employer and states that applications from women, minorities, and other under-represented groups are encouraged.
• The company may use AI tools during parts of its hiring process, including application and resume review, but final hiring decisions are made by humans.
• The role is subject to applicable export licensing and compliance requirements.