Lead Engineer, Lithography

Rigetti Computing•Fremont, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Rigetti Computing is seeking a Lead Lithography Engineer to serve as the technical authority for our patterning ecosystem. Sitting at the critical intersection of high-end R&D and scalable production, you will architect the "wet" process framework that translates quantum designs into hardware. You will partner with our EBL hardware experts to optimize beam-resist interactions while providing the technical vision for our track and optical lithography modules. This role is designed for an experienced engineer to take ownership of the broader lithography and metrology roadmap as we accelerate our qubit manufacturing capabilities.

Requirements

Ph.D. with 7+ years or M.S. with 10+ years of direct experience in lithography process development and integration.
Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Proven hands-on mastery of the full lithography "wet" stack, including CAR/non-CAR resist chemistry, reaction kinetics, CD control, and sub-micron overlay management.
Strong expertise in SPC, DOE, GR&R, and root-cause analysis; proficiency with JMP or similar statistical software to build diagnostic frameworks from the ground up.
Proven ability to professionalize processes in R&D or semi-manual environments, translating "tribal knowledge" into scalable SOPs, recipes, and technical specifications.
Hands-on proficiency with track systems, projection steppers, contact aligners, and maskless aligners (MLA).
Ability to build process frameworks and drive technical strategy.
Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize module-level goals, and mentor junior engineering staff while maintaining deep hands-on technical engagement.
Comfortable working in cleanroom environments (HAZMAT and ESD protocols).

Nice To Haves

Experience partnering with E-beam hardware specialists to optimize the resist/process interface.
Technical knowledge of proximity effect correction (PEC), dose strategy optimization, and multi-layer resist stacks.
Expertise in managing charging and thermal stability challenges on non-standard or insulating substrates.
Direct experience with DUV (KrF/ArF) or i-line projection lithography and the transition of processes to high-throughput production.
Experience with ultrasonic spray-coating systems and lithography on high-topology or 3D surfaces.
Proven success developing hybrid optical + e-beam workflows to ensure chemical compatibility and sub-50nm alignment precision.
Prior experience in Quantum, MEMS, or Photonics fabrication environments.

Responsibilities

Architect the "wet" process framework that translates quantum designs into hardware.
Partner with EBL hardware experts to optimize beam-resist interactions.
Provide technical vision for track and optical lithography modules.
Take ownership of the broader lithography and metrology roadmap.
Drive technical strategy rather than just executing within existing ones.
Manage ambiguity and prioritize module-level goals.
Mentor junior engineering staff while maintaining deep hands-on technical engagement.