FPGA Architect, Control Systems

Job Description

Job Title: Senior FPGA Architect, Control Systems. Location: Berkeley, CA, USA

Responsibilities:

• Develop and enhance a custom microprocessor for waveform generation and critical logic to operate quantum computers.
• Define FPGA architectures and implement high-performance digital logic for control systems.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software teams to define system architecture, data flow, and interfaces.
• Implement, simulate, and verify designs including DSP pipelines, control logic, and high-speed I/O;
• Optimize FPGA designs for low latency, efficient resource utilization, and robustness in production environments.
• Develop and maintain testbenches, verification flows, and continuous integration processes.
• Support hardware bring-up, lab validation, and debugging alongside quantum engineering teams on real quantum systems.
• Contribute to long-term architectural roadmaps for scalable quantum control systems.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of experience in FPGA design and development for complex mixed-signal systems.
• Proven experience architecting systems from the ground up.
• Proficiency in Verilog and/or VHDL with experience using FPGA toolchains such as Xilinx or Intel (Altera).
• Strong understanding of processor architecture design (memory bandwidth, caches, instruction decoding latency) and/or digital signal processing (FIR, IIR, FFT, multi-rate systems);
• Experience with high-speed serial interfaces such as PCIe, JESD, or SERDES.
• Solid knowledge of digital design fundamentals including timing closure, clock domain crossing, reset strategies, and verification.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams.

Preferred:

• Experience with RF/microwave or mixed-signal systems.
• Familiarity with ASIC design;
• Experience with real-time control systems, data acquisition, or instrumentation.
• Exposure to quantum computing systems and test and measurement equipment.
• Familiarity with scientific Python tools.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary range: $155,000 – $190,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, and location.
• Equity and competitive compensation package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance;
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid parental leave program.
• Rejuvenation days and vacation policy aligned with local regulations and industry standards.

Other Information:

• Rigetti is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.
• The company may use AI tools during parts of the hiring process, but final hiring decisions are made by humans;
• Rigetti operates globally with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, focusing on scalable quantum computing systems and cloud-based quantum services.