Internship Project: Quantum Hardware Characterization; Software

Position: 2026 Internship Project: Quantum Hardware Characterization (Software)
We are seeking a motivated undergraduate intern to support software development for the characterization of advanced microwave amplifiers used in next-generation quantum systems.

The intern will migrate and standardize measurement scripts into the company's software stack, working closely with hardware and software engineers.

This role provides hands-on exposure to microwave measurement systems, applied physics concepts in quantum sensing, hardware-software integration, and production-level engineering workflows. The completed migration will directly support scalable quantum architectures by enabling more robust and maintainable measurement infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

* Migrate and refactor legacy characterization scripts into the company's software stack

* Support measurement workflows for microwave amplifier testing

Key Requirements

* Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field

* Coursework or exposure in microwave engineering, RF systems, electronics, or applied physics

* Strong proficiency in Python

* Experience with scientific computing and data processing

* Familiarity with Git and version control workflows

* Strong debugging and problem-solving skills

* Ability to work independently and manage project milestones

Nice to Have

* Experience supporting RF and microwave test instrumentation (e.g., vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers)

* Conceptual familiarity with high-frequency amplifiers or quantum hardware

* Experience with modular or structured software architectures

$35 - $50 an hour

Rigetti complies with all local and state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. Generally, we pay according to academic experience:
Undergraduate ($35), Masters ($45), Graduate Level ($50). Additionally, Rigetti will provide a housing stipend up to $2,000 for candidates who relocate for the summer.

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

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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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.