Lead Engineer, Lithography

Rigetti Computing•Fremont, CA

2d•$165,000 - $205,000•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. This role offers the opportunity to take technical command of one of the most complex modules in the quantum ecosystem, personally driving the process breakthroughs required for next-generation qubits. It plays a foundational role in transitioning Rigetti’s qubit production from a lab-scale process to a world-class manufacturing operation, serving as a lead technical voice in the fab with a clear trajectory toward broader ownership of the lithography and metrology roadmap. The position involves working at the "tip of the spear" in quantum computing, collaborating with world-leading experts in one of the few dedicated quantum foundries on earth.

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 rather than just executing within existing ones
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

Serve as the technical authority for our patterning ecosystem
Architect the "wet" process framework that translates quantum designs into hardware
Partner with our EBL hardware experts to optimize beam-resist interactions
Provide the technical vision for our track and optical lithography modules
Take ownership of the broader lithography and metrology roadmap as we accelerate our qubit manufacturing capabilities
Drive the process breakthroughs required for next-generation qubits
Play a foundational role in transitioning Rigetti’s qubit production from a lab-scale process to a world-class manufacturing operation
Serve as a lead technical voice in the fab
Collaborate with world-leading experts in quantum computing