2025 Rigetti Internship

Are you looking to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and innovative company? 

Rigetti Computing is on a mission to build the world’s most powerful computers to help solve humanity’s most important and pressing problems. We believe this technology will fundamentally change the world for the better and will affect nearly every industry over the coming decades.

We are seeking talented interns to join us for an exciting opportunity to work on a number of projects across the company. As an intern, you will have the chance to collaborate with a passionate, dedicated team working across multiple scientific and engineering disciplines. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter along with your top two choices for the projects listed below.

Applicant requirements vary by project. All applicants must be eligible to be employed by a Rigetti entity (authorized to work in the US, UK, CAN, or AUS).

• Novel quantum algorithms. This internship aims to develop and explore novel quantum algorithms that may provide a quantum advantage in the near term, in areas such as optimization. The successful candidate should have a background in computer science, electrical engineering, physics, or chemistry. Proficiency in coding, quantum circuit emulation tools, and concepts such as variational quantum circuits is essential.
• Enhancing Software & Algorithm Execution. This internship focuses on enhancing the interoperability of quantum software with high-value compilers and simulators or accelerating hybrid algorithm execution. Ideal candidates will have 2-3 years of computer science coursework (or equivalent) with a strong background in compilers, hands-on experience with LLVM, MLIR, and C++, and an interest in quantum computing. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with Rust, Python, special-purpose accelerator compilers (e.g., Jax, CUDA, IREE), quantum IRs, and quantum SDKs. 

• Parallel quantum gates. The intern will develop automated tools to optimize parallel single and two-qubit gates and implement error detection in quantum error correction circuits. The intern will gain practical experience in quantum control and a deep understanding of quantum processors based on superconducting qubits. 
• Two-qubit gates. The intern will be joining a team that works on characterizing and optimizing the performance of Rigetti's next-generation two-qubit gates. Day-to-day tasks will involve characterizing devices; developing experiments and/or simulations to optimize gate pulse shapes; and working collaboratively with teammates on debugging issues. Candidates should be enrolled in a graduate program in physics or a related field; experience working with one- or two-qubit gates is required and experience with pulse-shaping techniques is preferred. 

• Automating workflow. The intern will focus on automating the design workflow by utilizing the Ansys Python API to streamline and automate Q3D, HFSS, and Eigenmode simulations. Additionally, the intern will contribute to adapting the workflow for multi-die architectures, developing a parameterized design component library, and setting up GDS compilation scripts to align with fab-specific design rules, ultimately enhancing simulation and layout efficiency. 
• Improving application infrastructure. The intern will work at the intersection of fabrication and design to help optimize chip selection and junction targeting. Work will include learning underlying methodology, Python application development, and scaling for novel device architectures.

• Thermal Modeling. This project would particularly fit engineering, physics or materials science students, interested in scientific computing, but is open to all. The intern will enhance thermal modeling of cryogenic systems by consolidating existing code into a unified Python-based software tool, and expand it to include the ability to import experimentally measured data. The project involves modeling heat flow in microwave cables from room temperature to extreme cryogenic conditions, incorporating material properties such as thermal conductivity and resistivity across large temperature ranges. These models would then be applied to real-world use cases of superconducting quantum processors in dilution fridges. Familiarity with Python programming is required.

• User Interface. For this project, we are seeking a cracked, physics-friendly software engineer to build a prototype of an advanced user interface for calibrating quantum processors. You will work within the internal software team to make order-of-magnitude improvements to the workflows that our physicists and quantum engineers use every day. You’ll have close daily contact with those engineers and work on the cutting edge of our calibration software to build the industry’s best solution.

As engineering leaders, we value diversity and are committed to building a culture of inclusion to attract and engage innovative thinkers. Our technology, meant to serve all of humanity, cannot succeed if those who built it do not mirror the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from women, minorities, and other under-represented groups are encouraged.

About Rigetti

Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides ultra-low latency integration with public and private clouds for high-performance practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Rigetti was founded in 2013 and today employs more than 150 people with offices in the United States, U.K., and Australia. Learn more at www.rigetti.com.

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Export Licensing Compliance

Rigetti is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.