Senior Technical Program Manager (TPM)

Job description

Rigetti Computing is building quantum computers and the full-stack infrastructure required to bring quantum advantage to real-world applications. Our vertically integrated platform includes superconducting quantum processors, cryogenic infrastructure, control electronics, and cloud software that enables developers worldwide to run quantum programs on real hardware. We are seeking a Senior Technical Program Manager to drive execution across some of the most complex engineering programs at Rigetti. This role sits at the intersection of quantum hardware, systems engineering, and software infrastructure, ensuring that cross-disciplinary teams deliver integrated quantum systems on schedule. ### The Role Rigetti’s quantum systems require tight coordination between research scientists, hardware engineers, and control systems. As a Senior TPM, you will own the planning and execution of large technical programs that bring these components together into deployable quantum systems. You will 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 & 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 + 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 related technical discipline