Senior Mechanical Engineer - Cryogenic

Overview In this role you will own the mechanical architecture of Rigetti's quantum hardware, spanning from 300 K to millikelvin stages in dilution refrigerators. You will lead cryogenic hardware design and the full design lifecycle, collaborating with quantum physicists, RF engineers, and systems teams. You will drive robust interfaces, thermal budgets, and manufacturability, delivering end-to-end hardware solutions. The work centers on challenging cryogenic environments and precise packaging for scalable quantum systems. This is an opportunity to shape the core hardware that enables cutting-edge quantum computing at scale. Compensation / Benefitsbase salary component $165,000–$190,000equitymedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) planpaid parental leaverejuvenation days ResponsibilitiesCryogenic hardware design across all temperature stages (thermal anchoring, RF wiring, flex interconnects, coaxial routing, filter housings, connector packaging)Lead full design lifecycle: concept, CAD, GD&T drawings, BOMs, tolerance analysis, prototypes, qualification, manufacturing releaseDefine mechanical interfaces and thermal conduction budgets; drive manufacturability with external shops and vendorsPerform mechanical, thermal, and vibration analyses using COMSOL, ANSYS, or equivalent; guide design decisions with simulation resultsConduct tolerance stack-up analyses for multi-component cryostat assembliesLead prototype builds, system integration, and cryogenic bring-up; diagnose and root-cause integration issuesAct as mechanical lead in cross-functional programs; mentor junior engineers and lead design reviewsMaintain documentation (CAD models, drawings, BOMs, revision records) in PLM system Key requirementsB.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field (M.S. preferred)7+ years designing complex mechanical or electromechanical systems with end-to-end hardware ownershipExpert-level SolidWorks with large assemblies, GD&T drawings, and DFM workflowsProficiency in SolidWorks, COMSOL or ANSYS for thermal and structural analysisExperience with hardware in cryogenic, vacuum, or extreme thermal environmentsStrong fundamentals: stress analysis, tolerance stack-ups, materials selection, failure mode analysisProven ability to lead technical efforts and collaborate across multidisciplinary teamsleadershipcross-functional collaborationmentorshipSolidWorksCOMSOLANSYS