# Field Engineer: Cryogenics & RF Hardware

**Company:** [Rigetti Computing](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/rigetti-computing)
**Location:** Berkeley, CA, Fremont, CA
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $115k – $140k/yr
**Skills:** Cryogenics, Rf Hardware, Dilution Refrigerators, Vacuum Systems, Helium Leak Detection, Oscilloscopes, Network Analyzers, Digital Multimeters, CAD, Python, Doe, Six Sigma, P&Ids, Quantum Hardware
**Posted:** 2026-09-03

> Supports deployment, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of RF, cryogenic, vacuum, and electro-mechanical systems at customer sites worldwide. Requires hands-on dilution refrigerator experience, strong laboratory hardware expertise, customer-facing communication, and substantial international travel.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Test, validate, and debug custom RF control systems using network analyzers, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, DC power supplies, and internal tools.
- Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot dilution refrigerators through cooldowns, steady-state operation, and fault diagnosis.
- Operate, troubleshoot, and service cryogenic and vacuum systems, including scroll pumps, turbo pumps, cryogenic compressors, high-vacuum components, and cold traps.
- Perform helium leak detection, pump rebuilds, and thermal system management.
- Assemble, validate, and install electro-mechanical, cryogenic, vacuum, and RF assemblies.
- Develop test plans and execute validation testing for RF hardware.
- Participate in an on-call rotation supporting system uptime across multiple time zones.
- Prepare, inspect, and package quantum chip assemblies for testing.
- Follow and improve standard operating procedures and best practices.
- Read and interpret CAD drawings, schematics, and engineering specifications.
- Support customer teams with system operation, issue resolution, and optimization.
- Manage international travel logistics, including customs, visas, and site access requirements.
- Travel at least 35%, including international travel to customer sites.

## Requirements
- Technical background in physics, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industrial experience.
- Direct hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting dilution refrigerators.
- Substantial experience with sub-Kelvin cryogenic systems.
- Proficiency with electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, network analyzers, multimeters, and DC power supplies.
- Experience operating and maintaining high-availability laboratory or industrial equipment.
- Experience assembling, servicing, and maintaining scientific instruments or complex electro-mechanical systems.
- Familiarity with vacuum systems, vacuum plumbing, P&IDs, standard fittings, and helium leak detection.
- Working knowledge of statistical methods for testing and validation, such as DOE, Six Sigma, or simulation.
- Strong documentation, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working with vendors, partners, or customers across regions and cultural contexts.
- Ability to travel internationally on short notice and obtain required travel documentation.

## Nice to Have
- Master's or PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field.
- Field deployment or on-site customer support experience, particularly internationally.
- Familiarity with import/export logistics for scientific or electronic equipment.
- Python or related programming and scripting experience.
- Additional language proficiency relevant to deployment regions.

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