Role OverviewWe are seeking a hands-on Quality Assurance Engineer to build and lead the Quality function at Rigetti. This highly hands-on role will be responsible for establishing a practical, scalable Quality Management System (QMS) while working closely with engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure our hardware meets the extreme standards required for quantum computing.
In this role, you will operate at both the strategic and tactical levels:
- Defining processes and systems from the ground up
- Engaging directly in inspection, supplier quality, and issue resolution
You will own incoming quality, non-conformance handling, and corrective action processes, with a strong focus on:
- High-tolerance machined components
- PCBAs
- RF/Microwave hardware used in cryogenic environments
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-moving, low-process environment and is comfortable building structure where little exists today.
What You'll Be Doing- Own Incoming Quality Control (IQC), including:
- Direct responsibility for all incoming quality inspection and documentation
- Inspection plans, sampling strategies and acceptance criteria
- Build and implement a right-sized Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with industry best practices, tailored for a fast-paced hardware organization
- Perform and oversee inspection of high-precision components:
- Tight-tolerance machined parts
- PCBAs
- RF hardware
- Establish and manage Non-Conformance Reporting (NCR) processes:
- Documentation and tracking
- Root cause analysis
- Resolution and closure
- Lead material review and disposition decisions (use-as-is, rework, scrap) in collaboration with engineering and supply chain
- Drive Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) with internal teams and external vendors
- Partner directly with suppliers to:
- Resolve quality issues
- Improve processes and consistency
- Conduct audits and follow-ups
- Define and track key quality metrics including incoming yield, defect trends, supplier performance
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by embedding quality early. Define requirements, establish inspection methods and implement controls before scale
- Introduce lightweight but effective documentation practices, traceability systems and revision control
- Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives across hardware development and manufacturing
What You Bring- 5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering or Quality Management in hardware or advanced manufacturing environments
- Strong experience with precision machined parts, PCBAs, RF hardware (preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to build or scale quality systems in a startup or low-process environment
- Deep understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, inspection methodologies
- Experience managing supplier quality and driving vendor accountability
- Proficiency with root cause analysis tools, including 5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D and related methodologies
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and technical specifications
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Willingness to be hands-on and operate across both strategy and execution
$165,000 - $190,000 a year
Base Salary
Rigetti complies with all local and state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location. Rigetti offers a full slate of benefits from competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental and vision for employees as well as a 401(k) plan, a paid parental leave program, rejuvenation days, and a vacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.
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