Software Engineer, Internal Systems

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer, Internal Systems. Location: Berkeley, California, USA or Fremont, California, USA

Responsibilities:

• Own, maintain, and improve data-intensive Python services and applications, primarily backend systems, with occasional full-stack development.

• Work directly with quantum engineers, fabrication engineers, and other internal users to understand their needs and develop scalable, sustainable software solutions.

• Maintain data integrity and reliability as systems evolve, including schema migrations, client compatibility, testing, and continuous integration (CI).

• Measure and improve the performance of user-facing workflows and the observability of underlying platforms.

• Build frameworks, safeguards, and development practices that help scientists and engineers use AI coding agents safely and sustainably.

• Communicate priorities, project progress, and product roadmaps to internal users;

• Mentor, support, and collaborate with other engineers.

• Improve software systems that support quantum hardware design, fabrication, measurement, and characterization.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of infrastructure supporting cloud services and on-site quantum computing deployments.

Qualifications:

• Strong Python programming skills, with experience building and operating production backend applications or serving systems.

• Experience working with large, evolving codebases and improving existing systems without disrupting the people who depend on them.

• Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases. PostgreSQL experience is an advantage.

• Experience with AWS and common cloud technologies, such as Kubernetes, Kafka, PostgreSQL, and Grafana, or equivalent tools.

• Experience collaborating across teams with scientists or other highly technical professionals;

• Ability to understand user requirements, identify underlying problems, determine appropriate solutions, and independently drive projects forward.

• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Curiosity about quantum computing and Rigetti's technology.

Preferred:

• Background in scientific computing, data science, or AI and machine learning tools.

• Experience in high-performance computing (HPC), national laboratories, semiconductor manufacturing, or other hardware-focused research and development environments.

• Experience with DevOps, site reliability engineering (SRE), or cloud engineering;

• Frontend development or data visualization experience, particularly building tools that help scientists explore and understand data.

• Educational or professional background in physics, mathematics, or quantum computing.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Annual base salary: $180,000 to $250,000, depending on relevant experience, skills, and work location.

• Equity compensation.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Paid parental leave.

• Rejuvenation days.

• Vacation policy aligned with local regulations and industry standards.

• Opportunities to work closely with experienced scientists and engineers on advanced quantum computing systems.

• A collaborative, research-driven environment that supports professional development and technical growth.

Work Arrangement:

• Hybrid work arrangement.

• Available locations: Berkeley, California, or Fremont, California.

Other Information:

• Company: Rigetti Computing.

• Rigetti develops superconducting quantum processors and full-stack quantum computing systems, including cloud-based quantum computing services.

• The company designs and manufactures its quantum chips at Fab-1, its dedicated quantum device manufacturing facility;

• Rigetti has operated quantum computers through its cloud platform since 2017 and serves enterprise, government, and research customers worldwide.

• Rigetti is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups are encouraged.

• The company may use AI tools to assist with application reviews and verification, but final hiring decisions are made by humans.