Senior R&D Quality Control Technician
Berkeley, CA at a glance
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What you need
About Rigetti
Rigetti Computing is building the world’s most powerful computers to help solve humanity’s most pressing problems. Our quantum computing technology has the potential to transform nearly every industry over the coming decades. As a public company with deep roots in research and engineering, we are scaling our hardware capabilities and building the systems needed to deliver reliable, high-performance quantum processors.
Role Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Quality Control Technician to support incoming inspection, non-conformance resolution, and parts disposition across our hardware programs. This role is heavily execution-focused: measuring parts, evaluating conformance, and working with engineering to resolve issues on components ranging from high-tolerance machined hardware to PCBAs and RF/microwave assemblies used in cryogenic environments.
You'll work within a QMS framework defined by Quality Engineering, applying inspection plans and acceptance criteria consistently and flagging gaps or improvement opportunities as they come up. The ideal candidate is meticulous, comfortable with precision measurement equipment, and enjoys digging into a nonconforming part to figure out what happened and what to do about it.
What You’ll Be Doing
Perform Incoming Quality Control (IQC) inspection on a daily basis, including:
Defining and executing inspection plans and sampling per defined acceptance criteria
Measuring and documenting results using CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, and other precision tools
Flagging discrepancies and escalating as needed
Inspect high-precision components across multiple hardware types:
Tight-tolerance machined parts
PCBAs
RF/microwave hardware
Execute Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs):
Document findings with clear, thorough records
Support root cause investigation
Track through to resolution and closure
Support material review board (MRB) activities — gather data and recommend disposition (use-as-is, rework, scrap) for engineering and supply chain sign-off
Assist with Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) follow-through, including verifying implementation and effectiveness
Maintain accurate, organized inspection records and traceability documentation
Support supplier-related quality issues by preparing data packages, measurement evidence, and inspection reports
Help track incoming yield, defect trends, and other quality metrics
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by performing first-article inspections and validating new inspection methods
Continuously look for ways to improve inspection efficiency, tooling, and documentation
Work with data systems including Arena, CAD drawings, Excel, and internal databases
What You Bring
3+ years of experience in quality control, inspection, or metrology in hardware or advanced manufacturing environments
Hands-on experience with precision measurement tools (CMM, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, etc.)
Working knowledge of precision machined parts, PCBAs, and/or RF hardware
Solid understanding of GD&T and how to read/interpret engineering drawings and technical specs
Familiarity with NCR/MRB processes and basic root cause tools (5 Whys, Fishbone)
Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline
Comfortable working independently at the bench while collaborating closely with engineering on disposition decisions
Willingness to learn and grow into broader quality responsibilities over time
Preferred Qualifications
Machinist background (CNC machining, tolerancing, or shop floor experience) is a strong plus
Experience inspecting RF/microwave components or hardware used in cryogenic or vacuum environments
Familiarity with PCBA inspection (IPC-A-610 or similar standards)
Working knowledge of ANSI/ASQ or ISO 9001 quality systems
Experience with CMM (coordinate measuring machine) or other advanced metrology equipment
Exposure to ERP/QMS software for logging inspections and dispositions (e.g., NetSuite, Arena, MasterControl)
Experience working in a startup, R&D, or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environment
Prior experience in aerospace, semiconductor, or scientific instrumentation industries where tight tolerances and traceability are critical
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About Rigetti Computing
Rigetti Computing is a full-stack quantum computing company that designs and manufactures superconducting quantum processors. Their Quantum Cloud Services platform provides access to quantum computing for research and commercial applications.
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