Lead Quantum Device Theorist

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.

• 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
• 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

• 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

• 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

$195,000 - $225,000 a year 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.