Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer. Location: Berkeley, California, USA

Duties:

• Lead the mechanical design of complex hardware subsystems, including cryostat internal architecture, signal-chain components, and metal enclosures.

• Develop and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Design mechanical interfaces connecting room-temperature systems to millikelvin operating environments.

• Design thermal anchoring and shielding systems to improve mechanical stability and quantum coherence.

• Perform thermal, vibration, and structural simulations using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools;

• Build and validate mechanical and cryogenic prototypes in the laboratory.

• Collaborate with quantum physics teams to ensure system functionality during live quantum experiments.

• Work with hardware, cryogenics, RF, and systems engineering teams to develop integrated and scalable quantum hardware platforms.

• Develop specifications for outsourced components and manage supplier relationships for critical assemblies, including vacuum flanges, cryogenic fixtures, and RF housings.

• Prepare assembly documentation and maintain design traceability in the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent field.

• At least 7 years of industry experience in mechanical design and systems engineering.

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.

• Strong understanding of tolerance analysis and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Experience in thermal and structural modeling and simulation;

• Familiarity with documentation control, revision management, and PLM tools.

• Excellent cross-disciplinary communication and project collaboration skills.

• Ability to develop and document assembly processes.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with thermal-mechanical effects in cryogenic materials and multi-physics system design.

• Experience with RF packaging and electronic device integration in cryogenic or vacuum environments.

• Quality assurance experience, including inspection methods and resolving non-conformances.

• Hands-on machining or fabrication experience for rapid prototyping and design improvements.

Benefits / Instructions:

• Annual base salary of $165,000–$190,000.

• Competitive salary and 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.

• Rigetti encourages applications from women, minorities, and underrepresented groups.

• The company may use AI tools to assist with application reviews, resume analysis, and other recruitment activities. Final hiring decisions are made by humans.