The Role
Rigetti's quantum systems require tight coordination between research scientists, hardware engineers, and control systems. As a Senior TPM, you'll own the planning and execution of large technical programs that bring these components together into deployable quantum systems. You'll operate in a fast-moving deep-tech environment where many efforts are research-driven and technically ambiguous, requiring strong judgment, technical understanding, and execution discipline.
What You'll Do
Program Leadership
- Own the end-to-end delivery of complex technical programs at the system level
- Build and maintain program roadmaps, milestones, and integration schedules for quantum system releases
- Drive execution across multiple engineering teams while maintaining alignment with company priorities
Cross-Functional Execution
- Coordinate work between teams, including:
- Quantum device and fabrication
- Cryogenic, control hardware, and software
- Manage dependencies and integration across the quantum computing stack
Systems Integration
- Lead cross-team integration planning for new quantum processor generations and system deployments
- Ensure alignment between research milestones and engineering deliverables
- Track readiness across hardware, firmware, and software layers
Risk & Decision Management
- Identify technical, schedule, and operational risks early
- Facilitate data-driven decisions with engineering leadership
- Drive resolution of cross-team blockers and competing priorities
Operational Excellence
- Establish scalable program management practices for deep-tech R&D
- Improve engineering planning, milestone tracking, and program reporting
- Support leadership with clear program visibility and status reporting
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in technical program management, engineering program management, or systems engineering
- Experience delivering complex multidisciplinary technology programs
- Strong understanding of hardware and software system development lifecycles
- Demonstrated ability to lead programs across multiple specialized engineering teams
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, research-driven environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in quantum computing, semiconductors, advanced hardware systems, or deep-tech startups
- Background working with R&D organizations or research-to-product transitions
- Experience with large-scale system integration programs
- Familiarity with Agile or hybrid development models in hardware/software environments
- Degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline