Quantum Engineer, Gate Calibration

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Quantum Engineer, Gate Calibration. Location: Berkeley, California, USA

Responsibilities:

• Lead experimental programs to characterize, calibrate, and optimize two-qubit gates on tunable-coupler devices, from individual qubit-pair investigations to full-processor deployment.
• Identify gate-error bottlenecks, including coherent control errors, decoherence, leakage, crosstalk, and two-level system (TLS) interactions.
• Investigate the physical origins of gate errors through targeted experiments, benchmarking, and simulation.
• Develop and improve calibration methods using optimal pulse shaping, dynamical decoupling, and other error suppression techniques.
• Improve the robustness and automation of calibration procedures for large-scale quantum processors;
• Develop and enhance measurement techniques for extracting full-processor Hamiltonians and other device characteristics, and correlate these measurements with gate performance.
• Translate experimental findings into actionable recommendations for device design, fabrication, and control hardware teams, and follow through on implementing improvements.
• Prepare new Rigetti devices for internal application development teams and external deployment.
• Monitor scientific literature and implement state-of-the-art techniques on production quantum hardware.
• Contribute to superconducting quantum computing research through high-quality technical publications.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Significant hands-on experience calibrating and characterizing two-qubit gates on superconducting quantum devices. Direct experience with tunable couplers is a strong advantage.
• Deep understanding of gate design, pulse engineering, and decoherence mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to connect error diagnostics with measurable improvements in gate fidelity;
• Ability to independently plan and execute complex experimental projects, from initial concepts through validated results.
• Strong Python programming skills in scientific computing and experience building reliable tools for other researchers and engineers.
• Strong experimental problem-solving skills and the ability to balance detailed investigations with rapid iteration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred:

• Experience with quantum simulation frameworks such as QuTiP for gate and noise modeling.
• Experience deploying calibration or benchmarking procedures across large multi-qubit processors in an industrial or startup environment.
• Familiarity with randomized benchmarking variants, gate set tomography, cycle benchmarking, or other scalable error-diagnostic techniques.
• Publications or demonstrated research results in high-fidelity entangling gates, error suppression, or quantum control;
• Experience mentoring junior scientists or leading small technical teams.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary: $175,000 to $200,000 per year.
• Equity opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan;
• Paid parental leave.
• Rejuvenation days.
• Vacation policy aligned with local regulations and industry standards.

Final compensation depends on relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location.